tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77331818499353507782024-03-28T10:30:46.539+00:00Steve Cornforth Blogsteve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.comBlogger480125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-66067450965157825292024-03-18T09:48:00.016+00:002024-03-18T09:54:08.074+00:00Awaab's Law - What when and how? <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">There has been a
huge amount of media attention about Awaab’s Law following the tragic death of
the two year old in Rochdale.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But what is this
law all about? What will mean in practice? And will it meet expectations?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Awaab Ishak died
on 21<sup>st</sup> December 2020, just days after his second birthday. His
family were tenants of Rochdale Borough Housing. The home suffered from
numerous defects, particularly damp and mould. An inquest into his death took
place in November 2022. The Senior Coroner for North Manchester found that
Awaab died as a result of ‘a severe respiratory condition caused due to
prolonged exposure to mould in his home environment.’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This sparked a
frenzy of calls for change, from the media and politicians. One heartbreaking image
went viral - <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF-nxSE6_Wg9eatu5xzc6fugf9hiiAL5Os8vqwnaTYqFVsxr0U5c3LUxsOyUvdy82XZSm4pLMKwBOvdp5eN3uvdxb4UnN7qs-ZEXu-wrfWB_oKBBSAOcNqrC7xBfPx2VMV0l9swwonltE5lbnXkahAi_WMdLR4O0yOCRVAaldaBcPMB14pAPC63vdn30/s901/Awaab.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF-nxSE6_Wg9eatu5xzc6fugf9hiiAL5Os8vqwnaTYqFVsxr0U5c3LUxsOyUvdy82XZSm4pLMKwBOvdp5eN3uvdxb4UnN7qs-ZEXu-wrfWB_oKBBSAOcNqrC7xBfPx2VMV0l9swwonltE5lbnXkahAi_WMdLR4O0yOCRVAaldaBcPMB14pAPC63vdn30/s320/Awaab.png" width="317" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the wake of
this, on 9</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> February 2023, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced Awaab’s Law. This would require
social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould within strict time
limits. It would be achieved by amending the Social Housing Regulation Bill
that was going through Parliament. The Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 came
into force on 20</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> July 2023. Before we get too excited, this does
not mean that we now have Awaab’s Law!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What the Act does
is add a new s10A to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. It creates an implied
covenant that relevant landlords will ‘comply with all prescribed requirements
that are applicable to the lease’. This covenant will apply to social housing
tenancies in England to which s9A Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 applies. It has
nothing to do with the private rented sector. So, it is a contractual matter,
in line with other housing conditions obligations. The covenant will be
enforced through ‘actions for breach of covenant’. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The important bit
of course concerns the actual time scales! These will be set out in regulations
made by the Secretary of State. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A consultation was
published on 9<sup>th</sup> January 2024 and has just ended. We do not yet have
the regulations but the consultation gives us a pretty good idea of what to expect.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The relevant
defects will be the 29 prescribed hazards contained in the Housing Health and
Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This is wider than the ‘damp and mould’ that we
expected. This is positive news and will include things; like security, water
supply and heating etc. The consultation also has a subjective element which is
welcome. The requirement will have to take into account ‘the actual resident’.
So a resident who suffered from asthma will be at greater risk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is all good
news for tenants… sort of.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The duties will be
triggered by a significant risk. It will be for landlords to decide what is and
isn’t significant. This is a worry. Won’t it lead to landlords deciding that in
most cases there is no ‘significant risk’? The consultation mentions matters to
be taken into account, such as - <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">HHSRS Guidance<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Government
publication - </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home--2">Understanding
and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home - GOV.UK
(www.gov.uk)</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Evidence from third parties such as doctors, social
workers, schools…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I would expect many of the more aggressive landlords
to deny everything. This is likely to end up in litigation. This will in turn
mean a majority of cases being brought under a CFA with the risks that go with developing new areas of law, and which has led to, so few cases brought under s9A. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But leaving that rant side for a moment, what will the
new ‘strict time limits involve’? As we know the present position is that a
landlord is liable for disrepair once they know of the defect and fail to carry
out remedial work within a reasonable time. How will this sit with new,
enforceable fixed time scales? Is it the end of O’Brien v Robinson that was
decided when I was doing my A Levels?!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This is how it will work – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Landlords
will be required to investigate a hazard with 14 days, which begins to run from
the time they are aware of a potential hazard. This will probably mirror the current
position in notice and will not be limited to actual complaints. Reports of hazards
must be recorded. Interestingly, there will be no requirement for a physical inspection,
unless requested by the tenant. Medical evidence will not be required. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A welcome note – ‘</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0b0c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">72. When
investigating reports of damp and mould, it is crucial that the issue is not
simply dismissed as a resident’s fault’. Will this finally see the end of that
myth?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0b0c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Following the
investigation a written report must be sent to the tenant with 48 hours</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If the investigation indicates that a reported hazard
poses a significant risk to the health or safety of the resident, the
registered provider must begin repair works within 7 calendar days of the
written summary being issued. This has to be real work! ‘We consider that
‘beginning’ repair works would entail a worker being on site physically
starting to repair and rectify a hazard. It will be irrelevant whether works
are carried out by in-house workers, external contractors, or a combination.’
So it involves a worker turning up with tools!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So doing the maths; 14 days plus 2 days plus 7 days =
23 days. So far so good! But what about finishing what we started?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">B T<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">hen we start to
go downhill. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0b0c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Proposal
4: ‘The registered provider must satisfactorily complete repair works within a
reasonable time period. The resident should be informed of this time period and
their needs should be considered’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0b0c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wbL5kYnQlIhvXZfrH_HWLNv8wnZ-R_RwIcdEV3SKzVP8UlW6P4ZSZIRWoFUBXjY8q_w7Y_AHrMTlo_ONToV06v2OtHCe0AEBGCHUnPy02OpmCKhRT_IEJ5D2ECB1QU6FhD4c03z3cCWV7ZuFIQRyres10kdUAKKVxTaUuNDEpQhw5OXbnIPjig_UbvE/s1280/wheels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wbL5kYnQlIhvXZfrH_HWLNv8wnZ-R_RwIcdEV3SKzVP8UlW6P4ZSZIRWoFUBXjY8q_w7Y_AHrMTlo_ONToV06v2OtHCe0AEBGCHUnPy02OpmCKhRT_IEJ5D2ECB1QU6FhD4c03z3cCWV7ZuFIQRyres10kdUAKKVxTaUuNDEpQhw5OXbnIPjig_UbvE/s320/wheels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0b0c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #0b0c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hang on! So have we huffed and puffed and
ended up back where we started? The spin has been that landlords will have to ‘fix
damp and mould within strict time limits’. It has to start within the 23 days
but after, that the position is no different from now. Is it all that it has
been cracked up to be? In one sense this was inevitable. How can you have a
strict time-table for fixing a window catch as compared to a new roof?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is a real danger that we will all
settle down to things belong as they always were.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;">There are positives. The rules
will mean that things will move quickly in the early stages. Reporting hazards
will be nothing to do with any complaints procedures </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">- </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0b0c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;">‘63. The point at which the registered
provider becomes aware of a potential hazard is the point at which legal
obligations under Awaab’s Law will begin. It will not be necessary for
residents to take a complaint through a landlord’s formal complaints procedure
in order to trigger the timescales’.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;">The initial steps must be taken.
They are not part of a new protocol</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;">Failure to meet the deadlines will go to the heart
of liability.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We expect the regulations to
land soon. My biggest hope is that firms will be encouraged litigate
condensation/mould cases and other s9A cases. That particular momentum cannot
now stop…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Watch this rather big space!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-2622099195595359902024-01-17T09:10:00.000+00:002024-01-17T09:10:46.713+00:00Personal Inury and Housing Conditions<p><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 25th January
2024 at 12.00 – 13.30</span></b></p><span style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); line-height: inherit !important; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaFCr_zMTH16y-ckrhxNJ6WqvbQgqrfKzYWTXj1XjJknM9T6p4CsT1V1x8hgXgK6JLjF0UhkSSHRvndM5zADCLDNiplYXH18Tl0oojW4SD2uuEbvteQzf5lSwhYQkAkpD3tYQWTKFb1TCpe5kwMEdGBYWwnyT_vccaVOj-aXTQRzwI1bDUcNK2wxI9uY/s1233/Webinar%20flyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1233" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaFCr_zMTH16y-ckrhxNJ6WqvbQgqrfKzYWTXj1XjJknM9T6p4CsT1V1x8hgXgK6JLjF0UhkSSHRvndM5zADCLDNiplYXH18Tl0oojW4SD2uuEbvteQzf5lSwhYQkAkpD3tYQWTKFb1TCpe5kwMEdGBYWwnyT_vccaVOj-aXTQRzwI1bDUcNK2wxI9uY/w451-h204/Webinar%20flyer.png" width="451" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br />
</span>Housing conditions cases can often include a claim
for Personal Injuries whether arising out of an accident or, more often, health
related issues. So if someone falls down the stairs and breaks their neck because
of a defective staircase they could well have a strong case! Equally if a
tenant lives in a home affected by dampness and mould they can develop respiratory
conditions such as aggravation. This can be a significant issue. The 16<sup>th</sup>
edition of the Judicial College Guidelines for General Damages in Personal Injury
Cases suggests damages up to £5150 for ‘Mild Asthma, bronchitis, colds and chest
problems (usually resulting from unfit housing or similar exposure).’<span style="background: white; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kMPzuQbiQ-laxzc7RLm9-bqTFbnK95AmuEw5YTfdYVfC8yJ4s0e08qYDpTYB9qq4-V3Oy3i_K1-I-Y8tbDmrQIxOYv0IG2qls7qb5E-T4o2E-W7Dln8x97c972gJE8C0Qj2tOSApaVnGRnPXREEKfixremvXY-Bt0kMS91ZfS4U_cRAKkoLBScCCogk/s3343/JAC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3343" data-original-width="2245" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kMPzuQbiQ-laxzc7RLm9-bqTFbnK95AmuEw5YTfdYVfC8yJ4s0e08qYDpTYB9qq4-V3Oy3i_K1-I-Y8tbDmrQIxOYv0IG2qls7qb5E-T4o2E-W7Dln8x97c972gJE8C0Qj2tOSApaVnGRnPXREEKfixremvXY-Bt0kMS91ZfS4U_cRAKkoLBScCCogk/s320/JAC1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">These
are likely to increase as more cases are brought in relation to condensation
and mould under s9A Landlord and Tenant Act. Recent press coverage of cases involving
injury and death caused by mould has brought such issues to the fore.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">This
webinar will look at how we most effectively manage these cases and will
include.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">· A
brief introduction to liability for Personal Injuries in Housing Cases inc. s4
Defective Premises Act 1972</span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
· Paragraph 3.5
Housing Conditions Protocol and the Personal Injury Protocol<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
· How do we
assess whether –<span class="white-space-pre"><span style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> </span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
</span>(a) A GP letter is likely to be
enough<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
(b) The GP letter can be relied on<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
(c) Causation<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
· The Personal
Injury Protocol<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
· Limitation<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
· Costs and
allocation – what about QOCS?<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
· Quantum<span style="background: white; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br />
</span>The webinar is £90 per firm with no limit on
numbers</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
The event is free to non-profit agencies and any
form holding an annual ticket.<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
Email me to book a slot at stevecornforthconsultancy@gmail.com</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The
event is free to non-profit agencies and any firm holding an annual ticket.</span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit !important;" />
Email me to book a slot.<o:p></o:p></p></span></span>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-18748780562507484342023-06-19T09:45:00.017+01:002023-06-19T10:09:03.740+01:0050 Years of fighting for Justice - Vauxhall Law Centre<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3UxbgsWf3IRmbUuoOekqyJCi6P67x1hC8SRpbhAvHK_lPy8R1fQxFXdAUocUvmc6HuQ4ytwsIy4y7eHm3I0FKZO5rfOmqDh7JKocjHwypkOsKuYiTbfsxklXlt4sYZMAL144li6Zz0IPcjd2WhG_W8i6k_wn_c3Fv64ASFbdoROmbLScEOUAZLWwpEQ/s3411/vclc3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="3411" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3UxbgsWf3IRmbUuoOekqyJCi6P67x1hC8SRpbhAvHK_lPy8R1fQxFXdAUocUvmc6HuQ4ytwsIy4y7eHm3I0FKZO5rfOmqDh7JKocjHwypkOsKuYiTbfsxklXlt4sYZMAL144li6Zz0IPcjd2WhG_W8i6k_wn_c3Fv64ASFbdoROmbLScEOUAZLWwpEQ/w516-h111/vclc3.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It was a privilege, earlier this month, to speak at the
opening event of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the Vauxhall Law Centre
in Liverpool. I was Solicitor at the Law Centre from 1980 – 1983. It is a scary
thought that I left almost 40 of those 50 years ago! The centre opened in 1973
and was in effect a joint venture between Liverpool Law Society and Liverpool
City Council. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Access to Justice was always the primary aim. But 50 years ago
the problem of such access was a bit different from today. This is an extract
from the initial Constitution – <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTNQcF3MuJCHQ9OaMJeqEQTuCOFl0TggpYH9OOSbQQS556W4hUF_avtKXXFNUGw6Th082r0D2Q_1-XrZWeA47AvlcaM-fgbXnUVUStoA_D8rQAtr5VCMzdE4kQc_jm287mKlV9ON8I51BCW-UdxUT4WJRGGf-y2rduXBhkjPGtYSGtRoTDH6cq09GQec/s1969/vclc1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1969" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTNQcF3MuJCHQ9OaMJeqEQTuCOFl0TggpYH9OOSbQQS556W4hUF_avtKXXFNUGw6Th082r0D2Q_1-XrZWeA47AvlcaM-fgbXnUVUStoA_D8rQAtr5VCMzdE4kQc_jm287mKlV9ON8I51BCW-UdxUT4WJRGGf-y2rduXBhkjPGtYSGtRoTDH6cq09GQec/w458-h184/vclc1.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">The unmet need was all about the absence of local solicitors.
This was a time when Legal Aid funding was widely available, especially via the
famous Green Form Scheme under which legal advice on virtually any legal topic could
be provided free of charge, or a modest contribution. I regularly used the
scheme to assist with Welfare Benefits Advice, Debt and of course Housing Conditions. But there were no local lawyers...<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The centre was also partly funded by the City Council who covered
running costs and provided the initial accommodation in Sylvester Street. It is
fair to say that this was always a running issue for the centre. As early as
1976 there were proposals to end this relationship. This led to an intervention
from Sir Christopher Hewitson, then President of Liverpool Law Society and
later national President. This made the local press –</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYK-3IdmtSkmhs2s0J3LTnpQQSenRC9Nx6SNTMBs2Yj9KtDlX8Ff_P8f9OPNYeF4pjFHVu6mpFMltGLkooCi5KL3Df67wGtx0u7rqyDOmKCl6luARDQX0boL4IRrRwIEnjal2F-ZFid6tbwxXrhyx9F4AjHbzczVhcQt8mpqzfaGEl2mZv2CAXbUvPJc/s2634/vclc2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2634" data-original-width="1120" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYK-3IdmtSkmhs2s0J3LTnpQQSenRC9Nx6SNTMBs2Yj9KtDlX8Ff_P8f9OPNYeF4pjFHVu6mpFMltGLkooCi5KL3Df67wGtx0u7rqyDOmKCl6luARDQX0boL4IRrRwIEnjal2F-ZFid6tbwxXrhyx9F4AjHbzczVhcQt8mpqzfaGEl2mZv2CAXbUvPJc/w279-h361/vclc2.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <o:p></o:p>This battle continued for many years including once during
my time in 1982 when Liverpool Law Society again came to the rescue.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I mention this now to demonstrate what a remarkable
achievement it has been for the centre to get to a half century in the face of
these trials! The challenge of providing access to justice has changed dramatically,
particularly since 2013 and the huge reduction in legal aid availability. At a time when more and more people are
desperate for legal help there have never been a greater need.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Law Centre is now a Charitable Trust which has benefited
from funding from the Liverpool Legal Walk – watch this space! – the John Moore’s
Foundation and individual support such as from Ian Byrne MP, West Derby, who donated
his payments received as a City Councillor after election to Parliament. A strong team of solicitors, case workers and volunteers provide heroic work to those in need. I particularly want to mention David Taylor who joined in 1989 and is still going strong to this day... </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In my speech I briefly mentioned the history and importance
of a community working together for justice. I also mentioned the powerful
partnership of the Law Centre and the Liverpool legal profession. I have seen
from my involvement in the Liverpool Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee
and the Legal Walks that the city has led the way for many years. Long may this
continue…<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zS_ALF5LJuiLu60Ukhgj7yyqQhx0kdiabWAFYsVMssc0RoIKe6ByBtJHL8XU_OrIXEy3FbXG7RVOcy_Un-JLYg1oIBGrgsvX3VDumfHCGPYG3o0AiLZw5KoXTvqxGSHI960nUYn4UfYEoFlC9MFCHtoFepKfvTXnb8GEdylDYsp9mJ1Uj38lRZDSgs4/s800/VCLC1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="800" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zS_ALF5LJuiLu60Ukhgj7yyqQhx0kdiabWAFYsVMssc0RoIKe6ByBtJHL8XU_OrIXEy3FbXG7RVOcy_Un-JLYg1oIBGrgsvX3VDumfHCGPYG3o0AiLZw5KoXTvqxGSHI960nUYn4UfYEoFlC9MFCHtoFepKfvTXnb8GEdylDYsp9mJ1Uj38lRZDSgs4/s320/VCLC1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-18506499274883145012022-11-24T09:27:00.007+00:002022-12-06T13:33:49.724+00:00Condensation and Mould - it is time to litigate!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8KT8pJJSDC-DEY7p71ozo62JiemiLQBB4yv_XWAUK1XCE8gYFf6rrFmQ4oiqcwYuHAyttLLzSEL53jdcMf6Y5xM4wxV8HnrWDKAuUdvno9cFOZ6A8WUDNGH0tTfYN2y8B_JqHSn4F4qXohEZw4kCouP8AkrVzXEwmojFJve55Ms0AC85rjibIoAT/s4951/iStock-1361313713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3301" data-original-width="4951" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8KT8pJJSDC-DEY7p71ozo62JiemiLQBB4yv_XWAUK1XCE8gYFf6rrFmQ4oiqcwYuHAyttLLzSEL53jdcMf6Y5xM4wxV8HnrWDKAuUdvno9cFOZ6A8WUDNGH0tTfYN2y8B_JqHSn4F4qXohEZw4kCouP8AkrVzXEwmojFJve55Ms0AC85rjibIoAT/s320/iStock-1361313713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There has been a lot said about condensation and mould
following the tragic case of Awaab Ishak. I am not intending to comment on that
particular case here, apart from this - how this can have happened in the UK, in 2020? In fact, as we will see, this is not a recent problem. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let’s go back to 1986 and the case of <strong><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #111111; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quick v Taff Ely Borough Council [1986]
Q.B. 809. The court of Appeal decided, reluctantly, that work needed to remedy
condensation was not a ‘repair’ for the purposes of the landlords’ duties under
s11 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Dillon LJ explained the problem – <o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">‘There has for years been very severe condensation in
the house, which has rendered the living conditions of the Plaintiff and his
family appalling...the condensation came about from the warm air of the
environment in the rooms reaching the cold surfaces of the building…I would
conclude that, by modern standards the house was in winter – when of course the
condensation was at its worst – virtually unfit for human habitation’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">The appeal judges found that, in the absence of
identifiable disrepair, the case could not succeed. This was a big blow to
those of us of a certain age (!) who were running disrepair cases back then. But
the Court made some observations that are often overlooked and very relevant
today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Dillon LJ continued - </span><span style="color: #b31166; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">‘When I read the papers, I
was surprised to see that the plaintiff had not based his claim on an
allegation that at all material times the house let to him by the defendant
council had not been fit for human habitation…I was even more surprised to be
told by counsel…’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">What counsel told him was
that was in fact, no enforceable cause of action for tenants in relation to
fitness. There was a useless duty in relation to properties let at a low rent
but nothing else. So, 36 years ago the Court of Appeal acknowledged that condensation
and mould were capable of rendering a home unfit for human habitation. But as a
matter of law, there was nothing a tenant could do, by way of a civil claim. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040;">Fast forward to March 2020 –
yes 34 years later. </span><span style="color: #404040;"> </span><span style="color: #404040;">This was when, after
tireless work from housing lawyers and politicians*, the Homes (Fitness for Habitation)
Act 2018 was rolled out. This created a new duty, by way of a new s9A Landlord
and Tenant Act 1985, on landlords to ensure that a home -</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #404040; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="legaddition"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">(a) </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">is
fit for human habitation at the time the lease is granted or otherwise created
or, if later, at the beginning of the term of the lease, and</span></p><p class="legclearfix" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="legclearfix" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="section-9A-1-b" style="float: left;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="legaddition"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(b)</span></span><span style="float: right;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"> will
remain fit for human habitation during the term of the lease.</span></span></span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040;">A new s10 sets out defects that can make a
home unfit. One such defect is a ‘prescribed hazard’ in England (see below for Wales**).
These 29 hazards were created by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
(HHSRS) via the Housing Act 2004. They were standards to be used by local
housing authorities in relation to action that they should take but were not directly enforceable by tenants. Until now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Hazard number 1 is Damp and
Mould. Alongside the HHSRS was an Operating Guidance which leaves us in no doubt
about the dangers of mould - <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040;">“Many moulds and fungi
(including timber attacking fungi) can be allergenic. The spores can also be
carcinogenic, toxic and cause infections; the potential health effect varying
with species. Some fungi, particularly when in very high concentrations, can
also colonise the airways of susceptible individuals, particularly asthmatics.
Toxins from some moulds (mycotoxins) can cause nausea and diarrhoea, can
suppress the immune system, and have been implicated in cancers. Although
uncommon, these are serious if they occur” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040;">The guidance goes on to refer to the
risks to mental health.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #404040; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Mould is nasty. It is a danger
to health. Knowledge of the danger is nothing new. What is new, is that there is
now a legal remedy. Failure to take action to resolve mould, whether caused by
condensation or other defect, can be a breach of the landlords’ duties under
s9A. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #404040; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">It is frustrating therefore
that there have been so few cases. None have reached the higher courts to my knowledge.
This was partly due to the pandemic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
2018 Act came into effect just as we were going into the first lockdown. But I also
think that there has been a reluctance to pursue litigation in relation to
these ‘new duties’. This article is an unashamed call for this to change. The
rights are new but as we have seen the problem is far from new. Knowledge of
the dangers of mould is not new. The duties are clearly set out s9A and s10.
This is an urgent matter. All of the building blocks are in place. I think the
time has come for fitness for human habitation to be a primary driver in
housing conditions cases. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #404040;">www.stevecornforth.com </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #404040; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">*Notably, Giles Peaker (aka </span><a href="https://nearlylegal.co.uk/">Housing law reports and analysis - Nearly Legal: Housing Law News and Comment</a>) and Karen Buck MP</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #404040; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">**Wales has her own housing standards,
and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is due to come into force in December
2022.</span><span style="color: #b31166; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p> ps I am presenting a webinar on 16th December 2022 developing these thoughts further. Contact me on stevecornforthconsutancy@gmail.com for details</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #404040; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.stevecornforth.com">www.stevecornforth.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: #b31166; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="color: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1;"><a href="https://www.casemine.com/judgement/uk/5a8ff71760d03e7f57ea75bb"><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">Quick v Taff-Ely Borough Council
| [1985] </span></a></span></u><span style="color: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1;"><a href="https://www.casemine.com/judgement/uk/5a8ff71760d03e7f57ea75bb"><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">3 WLR 981</span></a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-21400268416237572312022-10-04T10:00:00.004+01:002022-12-07T11:21:11.963+00:00A Tale of Two Cities - Walking for Justice<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM0pGsFGjsCCbEt7Yn0YxDG65qKK_BIu6dnUNL9CEmvjb5BZ9ryX59fhP-u98Hz5crc82XqoIzLRYGXOTSs7vfFPS-ln0LiG9ve-KG71uS3AnsIs8oToVqfcn4MaR-QT1fcGs_E1ArdL5-na7bgIHeRWBIUWLtH_Aq5UOBXEEPnRAzOF7TDjT0w7m/s5774/team2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2951" data-original-width="5774" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM0pGsFGjsCCbEt7Yn0YxDG65qKK_BIu6dnUNL9CEmvjb5BZ9ryX59fhP-u98Hz5crc82XqoIzLRYGXOTSs7vfFPS-ln0LiG9ve-KG71uS3AnsIs8oToVqfcn4MaR-QT1fcGs_E1ArdL5-na7bgIHeRWBIUWLtH_Aq5UOBXEEPnRAzOF7TDjT0w7m/w444-h238/team2.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">On Tuesday 27<sup>th</sup> September 2022, a record 285 lawyers took part in the Liverpool Legal Walk around the Liverpool City Centre and waterfront. They gathered at the QEII Law Courts and made their way around the city, along the Royal Albert Dock and then enjoyed a well-deserved drink at the Lady of Mann in Dale Street. The event has raised £7471 to date from sponsorship plus an extra £190 from raffle ticket sales. The latter was certainly boosted by my new favourite toy – a card reader!!</p><p class="MsoNormal">The pot was also helped by my friend Caroline who offered to chip in a three-figure sum if I wore a Crystal Palace FC shirt. I have done far worse than this for the cause and was happy to oblige!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJAo8nlhUNrcbB7ZsVXoPyFmQUUi9Yha05Kd7AVzLIC8UM3AWKgJ_fEnEGGlmEVAwmhG99A0Lc6U-DOSSbipSnBQikxmGj2FRSx7nv6mbtFehzUetbGwJWfg6vW0ZRlQekrd7Qjw4uKVbzUY-ProA7j3NOPNJ0LL67GAk4Qu6mEG_QbramnoSVER0/s1890/moi%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1890" data-original-width="1432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJAo8nlhUNrcbB7ZsVXoPyFmQUUi9Yha05Kd7AVzLIC8UM3AWKgJ_fEnEGGlmEVAwmhG99A0Lc6U-DOSSbipSnBQikxmGj2FRSx7nv6mbtFehzUetbGwJWfg6vW0ZRlQekrd7Qjw4uKVbzUY-ProA7j3NOPNJ0LL67GAk4Qu6mEG_QbramnoSVER0/s320/moi%20(2).jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The following day I braved the M62 motorway for the Manchester legal walk. I was there as chair of the North West Legal Support Trust, to meet and greet the happy walkers and ‘say a few words’ which is an interesting concept for lawyers! Over 300 walkers took part and this event has raised about £5k to date with more to come!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35kY94YHY8lxus7zdDBUxb-NE_94e_mOqgo6I1WkfggBqQRsi1d2LIlyTXKEVhoSpZ-HkC26Wr7BaQx4h3GdLDwoIoYgkrTtmP3xOsmF8drvF1_Wlz00DKpkUMyv355kOdW15r0uFkpIMEcsnCFcmsH_12OcpJZ-nYOWCLQrQ4ReSRrsR_zH1rIoP/s1796/Image%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1796" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35kY94YHY8lxus7zdDBUxb-NE_94e_mOqgo6I1WkfggBqQRsi1d2LIlyTXKEVhoSpZ-HkC26Wr7BaQx4h3GdLDwoIoYgkrTtmP3xOsmF8drvF1_Wlz00DKpkUMyv355kOdW15r0uFkpIMEcsnCFcmsH_12OcpJZ-nYOWCLQrQ4ReSRrsR_zH1rIoP/w320-h183/Image%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">We would hope that the two walks will raise a total of about £20k.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Why do we do it?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Firstly, it is no great sacrifice to spend a pleasant autumn evening walking around two of the country’s leading cities!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Secondly, and more seriously, there has never been a greater need. As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, ordinary people are facing desperate problems relating to housing, debt, benefits, employment… Law Centres and similar agencies are right on the front line providing direct support to those in need. For example, the Vauxhall Law Centre in Liverpool has this week, provided a drop-in advice clinic for those concerned about energy bills.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W_ZfdBsBY3sky8gpCVRQgG2APUULlU-jc_OhK5_thXbURkNWmgtfP2ryAAOnxXuCVAIn6GEyOBs0-PtHHZvxduEYmxnrW7yFYvoqmejZjzB1SUKsvKYVv3LJ6cIqLLagLb-waJGpzEXujCQYu27md3LWobRuVGniUcXCzDx3Yq_fjJwC48DvBGDT/s608/Screenshot%20(1737).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W_ZfdBsBY3sky8gpCVRQgG2APUULlU-jc_OhK5_thXbURkNWmgtfP2ryAAOnxXuCVAIn6GEyOBs0-PtHHZvxduEYmxnrW7yFYvoqmejZjzB1SUKsvKYVv3LJ6cIqLLagLb-waJGpzEXujCQYu27md3LWobRuVGniUcXCzDx3Yq_fjJwC48DvBGDT/w401-h320/Screenshot%20(1737).png" width="401" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">These services are provided free of charge, across the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Centres like this provide a critically important service. They are almost entirely supported by donations. As demand grows, so does the need for strong support. This need has become far greater since the availability of legal aid was severely restricted in 2013.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One real encouragement from both these walks was seeing the strong representation across the profession. The Liverpool Walk was led, for the second year, by HHJ David Hodge KC. Both walks saw members of some of the country’s biggest commercial law firms alongside small firms, volunteers, law students and the bar. Trekking around city centres to support justice gives a whole new meaning to Activist Lawyers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The giving page remains open unto the end of the year. Every £1 counts!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://atjf.enthuse.com/pf/steve-cornforth-aadcc">https://atjf.enthuse.com/pf/steve-cornforth-aadcc</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.stevecornforth.com">www.stevecornforth.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><o:p><br /></o:p></div>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-80096260050325927872022-06-23T11:28:00.003+01:002022-06-23T11:28:36.849+01:00Let's all go down the Strand - London Legal Walk 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OIBJgiTVBxOy75pBuBEoCsXY9VxjkxasYm2nBx8cOaW7MYspXv7z0RprYWt2w7_l6qDkmGnyjiCcZ2s-v1w7Sn6sB2v_0npiy6gioahHY2TUsCBSE0-JO9qMTb2z21KV-wqnK0fmSQmQUeW0ubSfCmeHrRGcsYmRHMgU4v_OVhLVZfRnpqJK1FJs/s750/LLW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="750" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OIBJgiTVBxOy75pBuBEoCsXY9VxjkxasYm2nBx8cOaW7MYspXv7z0RprYWt2w7_l6qDkmGnyjiCcZ2s-v1w7Sn6sB2v_0npiy6gioahHY2TUsCBSE0-JO9qMTb2z21KV-wqnK0fmSQmQUeW0ubSfCmeHrRGcsYmRHMgU4v_OVhLVZfRnpqJK1FJs/w438-h95/LLW.jpg" width="438" /></a></div> On Tuesday next week – 28<sup>th</sup> June – I will be
getting the train (I hope!) to London to do my second London Legal Walk. Last
year I did it as part of my trio of legal walks in Liverpool, Carlisle and London.
This year it is just London and then of course Liverpool in September.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The London walk is a unique experience. In 2021 there were
8500 walkers across 650 teams. Walkers include the Lord Chief Justice, members
of the Supreme Court, Members of Parliament and celebrities including the
legend that is Judge Rinder. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why do we do it? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The 2022 walks come at a time when the need for free legal
help has never been greater. As we head deeper into the cost of living crisis,
people need help with advice on debt, housing, welfare benefits, employment and
of course immigration. Law Centres and similar agencies perform a heroic
service for the country in meeting that need. They are able to keep their doors
open because of the support that they get from the legal profession and from
charitable trusts. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My first job as a real lawyer (!) was at the Vauxhall Law
Centre in Liverpool. We thought we had it tough. But with local authority funding
and legal aid, we didn’t know we were born! Vauxhall is still providing
fantastic support for people in inner city Liverpool – <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLBfJ6ksm8oJawE92p4Qd5wzOSPs2-9zMFFxpefXl4PO9jkve3eRZDZjSWe-m8Il5SQ2T3e6L0LspdF7OoYQPmTyHtQ9XJ3BqmVL7h57WmJlEXGhz5-hgicFsZAEj2SNkvjmtOdJHnlJpm0yatiS6J_O-ZjN3SzvQTv4M8MFAX_aTyYsBelxjbmoK/s602/Screenshot%20(1505).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="602" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLBfJ6ksm8oJawE92p4Qd5wzOSPs2-9zMFFxpefXl4PO9jkve3eRZDZjSWe-m8Il5SQ2T3e6L0LspdF7OoYQPmTyHtQ9XJ3BqmVL7h57WmJlEXGhz5-hgicFsZAEj2SNkvjmtOdJHnlJpm0yatiS6J_O-ZjN3SzvQTv4M8MFAX_aTyYsBelxjbmoK/w398-h285/Screenshot%20(1505).png" width="398" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Or how about this from the other side of the country in Suffolk
–<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirayO9_8I7bkinzEhqSyRfNnYkfk61O7-II2f_paadIu3G0PQfrN_Y4UTb1qK7-_GM5rFXkC_5OypbnDAvOtCU0dQie5Uc8RoSMcaLwkcDU9oHtPQirB1jj_ccyI9cvb1BfhH9p-XNq_QpQ965x6YXVJLw8BNv46bPcTXAwfHloMs2f9ikKR931ebc/s638/Screenshot%20(1507).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="479" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirayO9_8I7bkinzEhqSyRfNnYkfk61O7-II2f_paadIu3G0PQfrN_Y4UTb1qK7-_GM5rFXkC_5OypbnDAvOtCU0dQie5Uc8RoSMcaLwkcDU9oHtPQirB1jj_ccyI9cvb1BfhH9p-XNq_QpQ965x6YXVJLw8BNv46bPcTXAwfHloMs2f9ikKR931ebc/w267-h331/Screenshot%20(1507).png" width="267" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is the sort of work that is done across the country.
Much of it gets little publicity. Where would we be without it! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The legal walks are part of the heartbeat of centres like
this.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is why we do it! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This year I am walking with a team from the Society of Labour
Lawyers. You can support the cause by visiting this link – <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://londonlegalsupporttrust.enthuse.com/pf/society-of-labour-lawyers">https://londonlegalsupporttrust.enthuse.com/pf/society-of-labour-lawyers</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Every penny, or fiver, or more counts!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are doing the walk I will be at the Knights Templar
Pub from about 3.30pm. Come and say hello and share a selfie!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-81495692969232229202022-04-19T11:27:00.000+01:002022-04-19T11:27:13.234+01:00Good news for Claire - let's hope that this changes everything<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">It was just over two years ago that I wrote about the
disturbing case of Claire Matthews who found herself struck off after leaving a
briefcase on train. Her desperate attempts to try and retrieve the situation
ended badly – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/in-which-losing-briefcase-turns-out-far.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/in-which-losing-briefcase-turns-out-far.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The disciplinary tribunal referred to the damage to the reputation of the
profession – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">“The damage
to the reputation of the profession by the Respondent’s misconduct was
significant as the public would trust a solicitor not to conceal the loss of
data by telling untruths to their colleagues and their employer. The
Respondent’s conduct was a significant departure from the complete integrity,
probity and trustworthiness expected of a solicitor.”</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">I commented
at the time that her treatment was a stark contract to that of a senior member
of the bar who was suspended after headbutting a junior, female colleague. </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">There was an
understandable outcry about the way Claire had been treated. It was
particularly disturbing that there had been little consideration of her mental health.
</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Leigh Day
and three leading barristers agreed to act for her pro bono. In March 2021 the Law Society
Gazette reported that following submission of medical evidence, her case was to
be referred back to the SDT – </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/struck-off-junior-solicitor-claire-matthews-to-have-case-re-heard-by-sdt/5107883.article">https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/struck-off-junior-solicitor-claire-matthews-to-have-case-re-heard-by-sdt/5107883.article</a></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">We have now
had the news that the entire case against her has been dropped. She can restart
her career. This is clearly good news for her. It is a credit to her that she
has continued the fight. It is also a credit to the profession that the almost
unanimous cry that this was wrong has been heard. But it is a shame that it
came to this. We have to ask what has damaged the reputation of the profession;
a simple mistake in extremely difficult circumstances or the pursuit of a young
lawyer who presents no risk whatsoever? I think that some damage has been done.
Most non lawyers who were aware of the story, shook their heads in disbelief.</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">If anything,
positive comes from this it must be that there is a seismic shift in the way
the legal profession treats threats similar cases. It is easy to criticise the
SRA, SDT, employers etc. But to some degree don’t we all need to accept some responsibility.</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">There is now
a refreshing move towards openness about mental health issues. I remember the
time when it was a sign of weakness to admit to problems that can affect us all
at some time. We must never again punish lawyers who are then become afraif to
admit mistakes. All firms and chambers should actively promote a culture of openness
and support. </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-82847913486997089492022-03-04T09:29:00.002+00:002022-03-06T12:48:56.251+00:00Legal Aid and Inquests - again!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidvs8VizTwmKbJZe9EFJNhmXkErxt-8RurMUYjU-7r2HgPqLyj70iAHoNBIFNAuD-hPQg6ywKKmYzqXvAPadxzFMWVHH7n_QzQuklWY-A3HXzHTGN2O0jmoRlbfT38C9-V0VCEPMLf9Z7UOkozEhTCPP_cjUfuUNhe57VMWAlfwJ2rp2gyU9GVVGfL=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidvs8VizTwmKbJZe9EFJNhmXkErxt-8RurMUYjU-7r2HgPqLyj70iAHoNBIFNAuD-hPQg6ywKKmYzqXvAPadxzFMWVHH7n_QzQuklWY-A3HXzHTGN2O0jmoRlbfT38C9-V0VCEPMLf9Z7UOkozEhTCPP_cjUfuUNhe57VMWAlfwJ2rp2gyU9GVVGfL=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b> I have rarely been at an Inquest that was not adversarial.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">In all of my years of practice, a constant theme has been
the injustice faced by family members at Coroners’ Inquests. I have attended many
such inquests, normally in the context of Clinical Negligence cases. The health
professionals would always be represented by experienced lawyers. Those of us
who represented families would normally do so on a pro bono basis. They can be
complex, technically difficult and come at a difficult time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have rarely been at an Inquest that was not adversarial.
This is entirely understandable. Those representing professional people owe a
duty to them to ensure that no stone is left unturned when their reputation or
even career might be at stake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
inevitable that such hearings will be adversarial. But there is an inevitable imbalance.
The NHS has considerable resources to fund legal representation. The families
have little or none. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Which brings us to the current debate about extending the
scope of legal aid to cover a right of representation for families, particularly
in cases involving the state. On 24<sup>th</sup> February 2022 the Judicial
Review and Courts Bill Committee in the House of Lords discussed this very
topic. They were considering an amendment to the Bill that would make legal
aid available in these cases. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Speaking for the Government was Lord Wolfson of Tredegar. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Lordship acknowledged that the families should
be at the heart of an inquest. He then went on to argue that it would be
counter productive to allow legal aid for families – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There is
a risk that having additional lawyers at an inquest will not provide an overall
improvement for the bereaved and could have the unintended consequence of
turning an inquisitorial event into a significantly more complex defensive
case, which could, in the </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.theyworkforyou.com/glossary/?gl=37" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; hyphens: auto; line-height: inherit; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" title="The term "majority" is used in two ways in Parliament. Firstly a Government..."><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">majority</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> of cases, prolong the distress of a bereaved
family”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The sad fact is that most inquests are defensive. </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The sad fact is that most inquests are
defensive. They do not become less adversarial just because one party is represented,
and the other is not. It certainly narrows the opportunity for scrutiny of
evidence, but that rather defeats the point of what is meant to be an
inquisitorial process. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>So the plan is to have fewer lawyers lined up against the unrepresented families. </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Lord Wolfson’s suggestions for addressing
any imbalance are discouraging. He referred to a protocol that – “<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">ensures that
where the state is represented, it will consider the number of lawyers
instructed so as to support an inquisitorial approach</span>” So the plan is to
have fewer lawyers lined up against the unrepresented families. He then
referred to Exceptional Case Public Funding which is far from straightforward! </span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?id=2022-02-24b.430.1">https://www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?id=2022-02-24b.430.1</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In fact, it looks like the government is
doing all it can to ensure powerful representation for … the government, whilst
presenting every argument available to ensure that families do not have the
same. If the process is not adversarial or defensive why is public money spent
on lawyers for one and not the other. We don’t call them ‘parties’ but we all
know that this is what they are.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-51461381845660647352022-02-08T09:08:00.005+00:002022-02-08T09:11:01.839+00:00Concerning the English Language, Boris Johnson and dripping clocks<p><br /></p><p>As you know, I normally rant on here about matters that concern
the law and legal practice. But this post is all about my worries concerning the English
Language. Firstly, I need to declare an interest. I am a grammar pedant. A
misplaced apostrophe can keep me awake at night. In a sense this is very
relevant to lawyers. Understanding language can be critical.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But there is a real problem with the use of my first
language in political discussions. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most of the time, a simple sentence is easily understood by
all. If I say – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am going to the Co-Op to buy some coffee’,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">there is no need for further elaboration. We know who I am
talking about…’I’, we know what I am doing ‘going to the Co-Op’ and we know the
purpose of the action ‘to buy some coffee’. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now a person who speaks a different language will need a
translation. So I might follow up the statement to a French person with – ‘Je
vais au Co-Op pour acheter du café’. The original words require further comment
to help the listener understand.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Which brings me to the current debate about the Prime
Ministers obviously incorrect statement about Keir Starmer and his time as DPP.
During last week’s PMQs he said these words – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">"this
leader of the opposition, a former Director of Prosecutions. </span><span class="Heading2Char"><span color="windowtext" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He spent most of his time</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">prosecuting journalists and failing to
prosecute Jimmy Saville"</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That is fairly
clear. He was talking about Sir Keir, the person who is indeed leader of the
opposition and former Director of Prosecutions’. To clear up any possible confusion
he went on to say – “<b>He </b>spent most of <b>his </b>time…” (My emphasis).
Most English language users can understand this statement. It does not require
further ‘clarification'. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">But, because
they were said by a political leader who is in trouble, the English words suddenly
require a translation. On Monday 7<sup>th</sup> February Boris Johnson said
that he was not intending to comment on the performance of Sir Keir himself but
the overall failing of the CPS – even though he had used the words ‘He spent most
of his time’. It is as if the words that we all heard and understood require
translation into the language of convenience. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Supporters
of Mr Johnson have gathered round to muddy the waters even further. On BBC Breakfast today,
the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Tech and the Digital Economy, denied that
the PM needed to apologise but conceded that ‘the comments were capable of being
misconstrued’. Isn’t that the same as saying that my words about the Co-Op could
be taken to mean a trip to Sainsburys to buy some milk? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Commentators
don’t help. They say – ‘The PM has clarified what he meant’. But it was clear
in the first place. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTXs0U9eafgsc4dZg9dLIoSvGTjVeQHz28ti7KDqUxtunp-98jyqM7n8gD__l0VqVvEZ0B05OC7MuWYqP1Hi5yig8nfAawHU2zG9JVBav6CG5LDqOoRmMxGpezE5QIcAxIyX42h4pQz30OLzURdMZSEnXRua5gBLb-qcTlClypSJFsqkbdGS1pI2g/s590/clocks2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTXs0U9eafgsc4dZg9dLIoSvGTjVeQHz28ti7KDqUxtunp-98jyqM7n8gD__l0VqVvEZ0B05OC7MuWYqP1Hi5yig8nfAawHU2zG9JVBav6CG5LDqOoRmMxGpezE5QIcAxIyX42h4pQz30OLzURdMZSEnXRua5gBLb-qcTlClypSJFsqkbdGS1pI2g/s320/clocks2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It really
is confusing. We speak English. We hear words. We know exactly what they mean.
But then we are told that in fact they meant something different. It is a bit like studying a Salvador Dali painting as a basis for understanding the
construction of clocks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1419; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If the PM
genuinely didn’t mean what he said, he should just say sorry. In the meantime
we have the grotesque chaos of a leader of the opposition being placed in
personal danger by a gang of protesters who heard the clear words that were
used and believed them..</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-30313503385260476732022-01-13T13:46:00.002+00:002022-01-13T13:46:28.235+00:00Politician accuses lawyers of 'self-interest' - seriously?<p><b>I have never met a lawyer whose motivation came anywhere near self-interest.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It hasn’t
taken long for the New Year to usher in the familiar attacks on lawyers from politicians.
This is the recent assertion from former Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, that lawyers
who represent victims of medical negligence are obstructing proposed reforms of
the system. And that they are doing this out of ‘self-interest.’ I ran clinical
negligence cases for 25 years. I have trained firms in the work and provided
consultancy support for the last 5 years. I have lost count of the number of
cases that I have managed, supervised of helped with. In all this time I have
never met a lawyer whose motivation came anywhere near self-interest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/self-interest-of-lawyers-is-blocking-clin-neg-reform-mps-hear/5111104.article">https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/self-interest-of-lawyers-is-blocking-clin-neg-reform-mps-hear/5111104.article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Not only do
claimant lawyers want to achieve the best possible outcome for innocent
victims, but they are also under a professional duty to do so. Mr. Hunt is
referring to a possible no-fault scheme that was mooted in 2021. The proposals
are set against the background of other proposed changes which would remove the
right of victims to private medical care, a right enjoyed by all victims of
injury caused by negligence. I discussed this last year and noted – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“In other words, why should an innocent victim of negligence
have to rely on treatment from the state, particularly when the need for that
treatment is caused by the state itself? That injustice becomes even greater in
cases of clinical negligence. This would lead to the unacceptable situation
where victims of NHS negligence would be in a worse position than any other
injured person.</span>”<span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2021/07/re-thnking-clinical-negligence-again.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2021/07/re-thnking-clinical-negligence-again.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There are genuine and fundamental flaws in the proposed ‘reforms’. When
the basis of change is costs, you can be sure that the end result will be reduced
levels of damages, which are already calculated by reference to a victims’
basic needs for care, often for life. APIL’s Guy Foster explains – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">‘Either that is going to cause an astronomical cost that
would not be sustainable for the system, or we would have to look at tariffs or
tokenistic types of damages which would not be responsive to the needs of
injured patients,’</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One proposal mooted in the past has been to review the way in
which loss of earnings are calculated, so a victim who may never work again
receives compensation based on the national average earnings rather than their
real earnings. This overlooks the real world in which a person’s mortgage and other
living expenses are not based on any ‘national average’. </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/medical-negligence-striking-massive.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/medical-negligence-striking-massive.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Lawyers fees are earned</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hunt uses a familiar tactic of suggesting that much of the money
spent by the NHS in clinical negligence cases goes to the lawyers. This
overlooks the obvious point that the lawyers’ fees must be earned. They are
only paid for the work they do. Securing adequate compensation for a person who
suffers a catastrophic injury involves a huge amount of work and can take many years.
A lawyer acting for a victim might ultimately receive a large payment from the
NHS but it can sometimes take 5 years or more to be resolved, especially where cases
are defended until late in the day. In the meantime, the lawyers have incurred
the time and cost of running the case. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b>What sits behind the attacks?</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">But I think we need, as ever to look at what sits behind attacks on
lawyers by politicians on lawyers. The main targets are the victims. They are
the ones who need realistic as opposed to ‘tokensistic’ damages. They are the
ones who will see levels of compensation reduced. But it is those victims who will treated differently
from those injured at work, in a serious motor accident or in a public place. And
for no other reason than that their case is more costly to prove. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It is more palatable to blame those who fight for the victims.</span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-87581470751380832092021-09-29T15:15:00.003+01:002021-09-29T15:15:54.794+01:00You'll find us all - doin' the London Walk<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dymfkXKCn2FggbeKPzfY0sjNUJjtUxW2nD594PUWWDvaEPv2V8nDICWm6aJnY6DIEUinp330EldzTDSN4e24OHvQtnYqywmeZ52HcOP4CCAEum_J_Rsi9c6jsbFCTtSAkQq7HjMDGK0/s1788/Walk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1663" data-original-width="1788" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dymfkXKCn2FggbeKPzfY0sjNUJjtUxW2nD594PUWWDvaEPv2V8nDICWm6aJnY6DIEUinp330EldzTDSN4e24OHvQtnYqywmeZ52HcOP4CCAEum_J_Rsi9c6jsbFCTtSAkQq7HjMDGK0/s320/Walk2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The walk is important to all of us who are concerned to ensure that nobody is excluded from legal help because they cannot afford it. </b></p><p class="MsoNormal">On the 18<sup>th</sup> October 2021 I am doing the London
Legal Walk for the first time! </p><p class="MsoNormal">In one sense, it has been a long time coming. In
2021, I was a guest at the Westminster and Holborn Law Society Dinner and sat
near Bob Nightingale from the London Legal Support Trust. He spent the evening
persuading me of the need for a Legal Walk in Liverpool. This year we completed
Liverpool Legal Walk number 10. Ever since that time, I have promised myself
that I would one day do the London Walk.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This will be the third leg of what I have called my Justice Tour
2021. I have recently done Liverpool and Carlisle. Some may question whether
three dates amounts to a tour, but with my aging legs it is plenty. And the
London Walk is an event that is not to be missed. As we speak, there are 500
teams that have signed up. That means several thousand walkers who will take
one of three different 10k routes around the capital in support of Access to
Justice. The walk is important to all of us who are concerned to ensure that nobody
is excluded from legal help because they cannot afford it. Lead walkers this
year include – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord Chief Justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The President of the Supreme Court<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Master of the Rolls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The President of the Rolls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Judge Rinder!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I recently posted a blog about why we are all doing this – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-justice-tour-2021-and-access-to.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-justice-tour-2021-and-access-to.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lawyers will be turning out in huge numbers to support Law
Centres and other agencies who advise and represent those in need. That need has never been greater.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In this short video the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett tells
us why he supports the walks <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://youtu.be/4al2AHyCy0k">https://youtu.be/4al2AHyCy0k</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The desperate need for legal help was brought home this week in in
a report from the Law Society, that millions are deprived of lawyers as ‘vast
legal aid deserts’ were revealed – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/millions-deprived-of-lawyer-as-vast-legal-aid-deserts-revealed/5109924.article#.YVJID7u23js">https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/millions-deprived-of-lawyer-as-vast-legal-aid-deserts-revealed/5109924.article#.YVJID7u23js</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We can all do our bit. You can sign up for this or another
of the many walks around the country. You can even join my London Walk Team if you
like. I am currently a team of one!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Or you can support one the other 499 teams (!) by visiting their giving
page. Here’s mine…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JusticeTour2021"><span style="background: white; color: #33aaff; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JusticeTour2021</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm6K0M9-gf_ofeJCo6rMi2I9qBpGOT43YkE8XYlobuxfihB9sxptdLummLK-L1RK_Oj__ptzN1s1iMZXdOkiM_sVuX-aC9EB-ResZun9Vesya5yFTqgMIlxbbUKQnqxguGeEq0npBq2o/s600/llw3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm6K0M9-gf_ofeJCo6rMi2I9qBpGOT43YkE8XYlobuxfihB9sxptdLummLK-L1RK_Oj__ptzN1s1iMZXdOkiM_sVuX-aC9EB-ResZun9Vesya5yFTqgMIlxbbUKQnqxguGeEq0npBq2o/s320/llw3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-28836859396920913622021-09-16T14:32:00.000+01:002021-09-16T14:32:24.398+01:00Another year another new Lord Chancellor <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VO0CSNO7eRU1AFLD1D621P2HypLZJTYZQiWEonw4n4_zqhtNkeBphik2g7MWaymYBdDNvtZf3TvCD0poPUoRE_TTLlNPrDRxxl_hkmzLLcyZpob-jDCagh1k7NLYkAYtzB837VgpbLk/s4096/CollageMaker_20210916_142746872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VO0CSNO7eRU1AFLD1D621P2HypLZJTYZQiWEonw4n4_zqhtNkeBphik2g7MWaymYBdDNvtZf3TvCD0poPUoRE_TTLlNPrDRxxl_hkmzLLcyZpob-jDCagh1k7NLYkAYtzB837VgpbLk/s320/CollageMaker_20210916_142746872.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We have yet another new Secretary of State for Justice/Lord
Chancellor. I think this is the fifth in five years. That puts this position on
a par with Teachers of Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry Potter who had a
similar turnover. Any similarity is entirely down to your imagination…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the past the question has been … who are they?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dominic Raab poses no such problem. As the reluctant,
outgoing foreign secretary he needs no introduction to most. One thing in his
favour is that he does have legal experience unlike some of his predecessors. Although, the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg was possibly a little over enthusiastic when she
tweeted that he was a “senior lawyer” – <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziLzdg6dzaT2F3oaQEK66rDOYDOh7ApiMiVsPp4wY-7wCV9gKbjMwxjGcVO1DGHpMpTXEGLKkA6uFl4Xo7gBwwUe_EYbm2anL7mWk3VYi4CBebnWUkSA2iRZNNP5U2upd_Zh5SbKgx9E/s608/Screenshot+%2528397%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="608" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziLzdg6dzaT2F3oaQEK66rDOYDOh7ApiMiVsPp4wY-7wCV9gKbjMwxjGcVO1DGHpMpTXEGLKkA6uFl4Xo7gBwwUe_EYbm2anL7mWk3VYi4CBebnWUkSA2iRZNNP5U2upd_Zh5SbKgx9E/s320/Screenshot+%2528397%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">In fact, he was a trainee solicitor at City firm Linklaters where
he qualified in 2000, leaving shortly afterwards. He then worked as a lawyer in
the Foreign Office until he began working for David Davis in 2006. ‘Worked
briefly as a lawyer’ is probably a more accurate statement.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This has not stopped him from expressing alarmingly negative
views about the Human Rights Act 1998 – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://fb.watch/82Z7z9vxQ8/">https://fb.watch/82Z7z9vxQ8/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As Justice Secretary, he will have a big role to play in the
<a href="https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/93/human-rights-joint-committee/news/156375/human-rights-act-review-do-not-risk-uks-constitutional-settlement-and-enforcement-of-rights-by-amending-act-urge-mps-and-peers">Review</a>
of the Act. The purpose of the review is as follows - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The Government’s Independent Human Rights Act Review
Panel was appointed in January 2021 following the Government’s manifesto
commitment to “update the Human Rights Act and administrative law to ensure
that there is a proper balance between the rights of individuals, our vital
national security and effective government.”</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I think we can all see where this will end up. </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He won’t find this an easy task. I have written about this before. He
will certainly need to read up on his history and the role of the European
Convention on Human Rights, that was largely drafted by UK lawyers – presumably senior
ones! </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2019/01/european-court-of-human-rights-and.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2019/01/european-court-of-human-rights-and.html</a></span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I think that there is no doubt that he will give it a go and us
pesky, do-gooder, lefty, activist, lawyers should prepare ourselves for a bumpy
ride. </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He may have had a short-lived career as a solicitor but
should still be aware of the oath that he must swear as Lord Chancellor –</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I, [NAME],
do swear that in the office of Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain </span>I
will respect the rule of law<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, defend the independence of the judiciary and
discharge my duty to ensure the provision of resources for the efficient and
effective support of the courts for which I am responsible.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shortly
after his appointment he tweeted – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQkwL39_kmk9abdoqqWBWCXiosM0fuP8KloRtkNIfbp0rmeb84h6GZn5dUk6cmBsIRZMKTMflaDkJyW2O8qqzb2tAAWeZuKE9C1Qfdt-nyaG6wliiaswRssZ-rmPslYqqKkrXXVzk_8A/s595/Screenshot+%2528399%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="595" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQkwL39_kmk9abdoqqWBWCXiosM0fuP8KloRtkNIfbp0rmeb84h6GZn5dUk6cmBsIRZMKTMflaDkJyW2O8qqzb2tAAWeZuKE9C1Qfdt-nyaG6wliiaswRssZ-rmPslYqqKkrXXVzk_8A/s320/Screenshot+%2528399%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Not a mention
of the serious responsibilities of being Lord Chancellor.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I may be wrong
but this could herald a challenging time ahead…<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-49826731078494353422021-09-05T13:07:00.005+01:002021-09-05T13:16:20.280+01:00The Justice Tour 2021 and Access to Justice...again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPZQ3-kw2sCRzQ15CWvkmPn62QkUch5zn89YsNtLS_HwfE_GltqfeaVqgSdAiTQNmcBOKIuZ2warYYHn13JFkSpWr19erjBvxjbc-IHV0zK8_JdE6yitTXj1m_YVwgOepK22Q8LR89NA/s590/Screenshot+%2528340%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="590" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPZQ3-kw2sCRzQ15CWvkmPn62QkUch5zn89YsNtLS_HwfE_GltqfeaVqgSdAiTQNmcBOKIuZ2warYYHn13JFkSpWr19erjBvxjbc-IHV0zK8_JdE6yitTXj1m_YVwgOepK22Q8LR89NA/s320/Screenshot+%2528340%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We are, once again coming into the Legal Walks season! </p><p>Across the country solicitors, barristers, judges and anyone with a concern for
Access to Justice will be seen in cities and towns across the country to raise
funds and to highlight the work done by those agencies that provide free legal help
to those in need.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool will be marking its 10<sup>th</sup> walk. Why do
we do it? It is over 40 years since I started work at the Vauxhall Law Centre
in Liverpool. The centre is still going strong. Back in day we were able to
bring many cases with the benefit of legal aid. This included the notable case
of Liverpool City<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Council v Irwin which
helped to establish the liability of landlords for common areas in rented
premises such as lifts and stairways. In the late 1970s this was known as the
Piggeries case!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv90JUcGqP-TPsl0lYlcX9lC6m1GePegAjNtFns3Uk4CIE5a_lRrCmYFnWoQIpklZnwRZ12jl8ReHk-SFRkAeH0t3NoO-Wrj3gVhWz85Mes7e5PdzytVEoJSeuiyvHrc6WEbEVao1O40/s648/Picture1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="648" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv90JUcGqP-TPsl0lYlcX9lC6m1GePegAjNtFns3Uk4CIE5a_lRrCmYFnWoQIpklZnwRZ12jl8ReHk-SFRkAeH0t3NoO-Wrj3gVhWz85Mes7e5PdzytVEoJSeuiyvHrc6WEbEVao1O40/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Cases like this would be more challenging today following
the cuts in legal aid from 2013.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But the need has not gone away.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Vauxhall, and other centres across the country still work
alongside the most vulnerable members of society – with or without legal aid. This
is demonstrated by the recent comment on Twitter about a client who was grateful
for the centre’s help with a PIP form.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KEHPI1NCvqZEmpyMA2miQbDYR7i3kbUrUr8TuAuqMqBrV08LS8zp0hmHx9HwyLpHw9IeADhZ5VgOhD12Nxv5szTvTEVpl3G2OS20TYZIsWFYpHtVko_zaZVY6WlJtSlvgprjJikZ1r4/s620/Screenshot+%2528338%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KEHPI1NCvqZEmpyMA2miQbDYR7i3kbUrUr8TuAuqMqBrV08LS8zp0hmHx9HwyLpHw9IeADhZ5VgOhD12Nxv5szTvTEVpl3G2OS20TYZIsWFYpHtVko_zaZVY6WlJtSlvgprjJikZ1r4/s320/Screenshot+%2528338%2529.png" width="262" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The work is now dependent on fundraising. This is why lawyers
will be hitting the streets in September and October. This was why Liverpool
Law Society in 2012 decided to launch an annual walk, in anticipation of the
cuts which were imminent. This followed the work already done in Manchester,
London and many other cities. Lawyers are indeed walking for justice –</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzVNCAGReoXyxV7zq4oXURR1zFpPlFAxyuKwWveubmXlXIUe9_sr8U8qt4dg-v8GtImJ3PXDHl0Lj5LoK1xq_MFqmRN3vfTj-vxC4GEv_k7gLje8pMQwO8JsoAUKAAKir_fSlNjLgu08/s960/1174946_502412663185062_383477456_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzVNCAGReoXyxV7zq4oXURR1zFpPlFAxyuKwWveubmXlXIUe9_sr8U8qt4dg-v8GtImJ3PXDHl0Lj5LoK1xq_MFqmRN3vfTj-vxC4GEv_k7gLje8pMQwO8JsoAUKAAKir_fSlNjLgu08/s320/1174946_502412663185062_383477456_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I have sounded a bit like a broken record for many years,
but there is no point in having a system of justice, if ordinary people cannot
get access to that system for lack of funds.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To mark the 10<sup>th</sup> Liverpool Walk, I am doing a
Justice Tour this year. I am walking in Liverpool on 21<sup>st</sup> September,
Carlisle on 27<sup>th</sup> September and London on 18<sup>th</sup> October. You
can donate to the tour on this link – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JusticeTour2021">https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JusticeTour2021</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But there are many others also raising funds. You can
support any of the walkers – the money all goes to meet the same need! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nwlst.org.uk/liverpool-legal-walk.html">http://www.nwlst.org.uk/liverpool-legal-walk.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nwlst.org.uk/carlisle-legal-walk.html">http://www.nwlst.org.uk/carlisle-legal-walk.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk/our-events/london-legal-walk-2021/">https://londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk/our-events/london-legal-walk-2021/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In fact most of us can find a walk within walking distance,
so to speak!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://atjf.org.uk/legal-walks">https://atjf.org.uk/legal-walks</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">You can also get your walking shoes out and join in. The
walks are open to anyone who cares justice. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Hope to see you on my tour!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-41618758565129043182021-08-02T11:46:00.014+01:002021-08-02T11:55:23.478+01:00Fitness for Human Habitation Act - without Legal Aid what is the point?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyPfEbxx21IU-TKqevE9-esdWwnRETis_uiD0WILAH9vIaOZ9hxwjFyR_wv0DDR7J93hn1zCNuqev0jR-NDHYkql8kVzy7afyYD9FwQxg78eMgExXaO8rtxeSJXr8TV3LdYzOTDw69pw/s648/Piggeries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="648" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyPfEbxx21IU-TKqevE9-esdWwnRETis_uiD0WILAH9vIaOZ9hxwjFyR_wv0DDR7J93hn1zCNuqev0jR-NDHYkql8kVzy7afyYD9FwQxg78eMgExXaO8rtxeSJXr8TV3LdYzOTDw69pw/s320/Piggeries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I have spent much of my time this year, training solicitors and experts about Tenants’ Rights in relation to Housing Conditions. This has been driven, in part by the recent ‘reforms’ of road traffic claims that will see a huge reduction in the number of such cases. Many firms are looking to diversify. Another factor has been the arrival of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This Act, and the new covenants that it brings, does have the potential to change everything. The purpose of this article is to highlight the extent to which such change will be limited by the restricted availability of legal aid.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In all of my training sessions, I refer to the well-known House of Lords case of Liverpool City Council v Irwin [1977] AC 239 which was a ground-breaking case about landlords’ responsibilities in relation to common parts such as stairways, lifts etc. As an incorrigible name dropper, I will always mention that the Vauxhall Law Centre acted for the tenants of what were known locally as ‘The Piggeries’. I was the solicitor at the Law Centre in the early 1980s, so it was a bit before my time! My involvement was limited to tying up some loose ends in relation to the legal aid bill! I mention this case here because it was cutting-edge and made possible because legal aid funding was available. </p><p class="MsoNormal">What has this got to do with the 2018 Act? </p><p class="MsoNormal">Let’s think about properties affected by condensation. When the rights of tenants were limited to ‘repairs’ under s11 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, many cases failed because there was moisture and dampness caused by condensation. It was often hard to identify a ‘repair’ that was needed. The 2018 Act could bring in dramatic changes to this. The Act amends the 1985 Act by introducing a new s9A which introduces implied covenants by the lessor that the dwelling – </p><p class="MsoNormal">(a)is fit for human habitation at the time the lease is granted or otherwise created or, if later, at the beginning of the term of the lease, and</p><p class="MsoNormal">(b)will remain fit for human habitation during the term of the lease.</p><p class="MsoNormal">A new s10 looks at matters that should be considered. These includes – ‘freedom from damp’. The section also refers to ‘prescribed hazards’. These 29 hazards from the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) include damp and mould growth. Earlier cases on the meaning of ‘fitness’ include health and safety as a major factor. So, there is potential for tenants now to bring claims in relation to mould even where there is no actual disrepair. </p><p class="MsoNormal">What is often argued by landlords’ experts is that condensation is caused by tenants’ lifestyle. So, they should open all their windows to maintain airflow. This is said to be part of their duty act in a ‘tenant-like’ manner. What about those who live on the 15th floor of a tower block in December? Would I open all my windows in that situation? What about fuel poverty? Is a tenant who cannot afford to the inevitable extra heating costs, acting unreasonably? </p><p class="MsoNormal">We are not going to answer these questions here. What we need are cases to be litigated so that we can test the arguments and develop/clarify the law. This is what happened in Liverpool City Council v Irwin and many similar cases. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The problem of course, is funding. The unfortunate residents of The Piggeries had legal aid. Legal Aid funding is now very limited in housing conditions cases. You might get help, in extreme cases, to force the landlord to do urgent work. But that is about it. Almost all firms that I have spoken to over the last few years have to act on a CFA. After the Event Insurance is essential because there is no QOCS protection in most cases. </p><p class="MsoNormal">This raises all sorts of problems – </p><p class="MsoNormal">1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do the prospects of success mean that the firm can take the risk?, </p><p class="MsoNormal">2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Will there be sufficient funds to meet the cost of the irrecoverable ATE policy?,</p><p class="MsoNormal">3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What about rent arrears that can wipe out most if not all of any damages?</p><p class="MsoNormal">How many firms are going to be in a position to run the cutting-edge cases to the Court of Appeal on a CFA? How many ATE insurers will back them? Law Centre’s were often the pioneers in the past, but there is no way that they can be expected to carry the burden. How many tenants are able to fund cases?</p><p class="MsoNormal">All of which is very frustrating.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We have a new and exciting Act which could indeed change everything. But it will be meaningless if tenants are unable to bring cases. </p><p class="MsoNormal">If we want the Fitness for Human Habitation provisions to bring about real change then tenants must have access to the means of enforcing them. There is little point in having radical new legal rights, if there is no access to the enforcement of these rights. </p><p class="MsoNormal">This can only be achieved by way of a properly funded legal aid system. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-36777754171374452202021-07-19T10:02:00.030+01:002021-07-19T11:05:10.972+01:00Re-thinking Clinical Negligence again - Part 2 NHS or Private Care? (and a short history lesson)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4k5sy_2JCzdZefFaWheM8Crq4-Z3C4IlcaoRSWb2xuhSEr3p75n6uqU7nADAY9XBjsIVdQjmERffc8BkX-dH3vYx5zU58mYRst1aK9_0BXkNdBpWfnQyjS75BwgsY2WQnf3_XIV6WWs/s800/NHS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4k5sy_2JCzdZefFaWheM8Crq4-Z3C4IlcaoRSWb2xuhSEr3p75n6uqU7nADAY9XBjsIVdQjmERffc8BkX-dH3vYx5zU58mYRst1aK9_0BXkNdBpWfnQyjS75BwgsY2WQnf3_XIV6WWs/s320/NHS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the second blog post in relation to the recent
report by the commons committee – the Safety of Maternity Services in
England –</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7733181849935350778/3585120895155965276"><span style="color: blue;">https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmhealth/19/1902.htm</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My previous post looked at the problem of separating Clinical
Negligence from other types of negligence claim, and the so called ‘blame
culture’. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today I am looking at proposals to change the basis on which
compensation is calculated. The report rightly notes that financial
compensation is not always the only or primary reason for pursuing litigation. From
the many cases that I handled in practice, it was clear that many victims and families
are looking for explanations, answers to questions and an apology. One common
outcome which many were seeking is unachievable in a negligence claim - the
knowledge that ‘this person’ will never practice medicine again'. But while all this
is true, it is also misleading, to think of damages as no more than a ‘payout’ – a word
commonly used in the tabloid press. Seriously injured people need care, often
for life. A suitable award of compensation is essential to meet these needs.
This is a topic that I have touched on before – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/medical-negligence-lets-talk-about.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/medical-negligence-lets-talk-about.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“None of these victims have won anything. They and their
families are left with a lifetime of struggle through no fault of their own. If
they can establish that the injuries were caused by the negligence of medical
practitioners, then they are entitled to damages. A small proportion is for the
injury itself. The vast majority is to cover their needs for life.</span>”<span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Which brings me to a familiar proposal in this report – </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">“100. At
present compensation is calculated on the cost of providing private healthcare
even when care is provided by the NHS. This is based on legislation that
predates the NHS.”</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">To avoid
confusion, if a victim actually does receive treatment on the NHS, they cannot
then claim a sum of money based on a fiction that they received private
treatment. I think the report is actually referring to treatment being
available on the NHS. The proposal is that there should no longer be a right to
claim the cost of private medical care; that victims should be required to use
the NHS.</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">A person’s
entitlement to claim the cost of private medical care and treatment is not
limited to clinical negligence cases. This right is as old as the NHS itself –
it does not predate it as the report suggests. It is worth briefly
revisiting the history of the legislation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly, the Beveridge Report itself
looked at this issue. A possible requirement for an injured person to rely on the NHS
was rejected by the Monkton Committee for two reasons – </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">It would lead to courts having to make a choice between the
relative merits of the state and other services,</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">It would be inconsistent with the liberty of the individual if
a person was barred from choosing the type of care they received.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This led to s 2 (4) of the Law Reform (Personal Injuries) Act 1948
– <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In an action for damages for personal
injuries (including any such action arising out of a contract), there shall be
disregarded, in determining the reasonableness of any expenses, the possibility
of avoiding those expenses or part of them by taking advantage of facilities
available under the National Health Service Act 2006 or the National Health
Service (Wales) Act 2006 <b>]</b> or the National Health Service
(Scotland) Act 1978<b>]</b>, or of any corresponding facilities in Northern
Ireland.</span></i><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">For further reading on this, there is an excellent law commission report from 2015 here - </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"><a href="http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/app/uploads/2015/03/cp144_Damages_Personal_Injury_Medical_Nursing_Consultation.pdf">http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/app/uploads/2015/03/cp144_Damages_Personal_Injury_Medical_Nursing_Consultation.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In other words, why should an innocent victim of negligence have
to rely on treatment from the state, particularly when the need for that
treatment is caused by the state itself? That injustice becomes even greater in
cases of clinical negligence. This would lead to the unacceptable situation
where victims of NHS negligence would be in a worse position than any other injured
person. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is also false economics. The treatment is still being provided. It is not going way. It just becomes a hidden cost as services are diverted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This again demonstrates the risk in isolating one particular area
of negligence for special treatment in order to save costs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Finally, and a brief aside, it is worth noting that the number and
the cost of clinical negligence claims being resolved without litigation has reached
a record high – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/more-nhs-claims-settling-without-proceedings-as-costs-payouts-fall">https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/more-nhs-claims-settling-without-proceedings-as-costs-payouts-fall</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In my next post we will look at the basis for calculating loss of
earnings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-35851208951559652762021-07-12T12:04:00.005+01:002021-07-12T14:34:33.270+01:00Re-thinking Clinical Negligence - again Part 1<p><b><span style="background: white;">If your taxi driver is negligent and you are injured, you
expect to be compensated. If a surgeon is negligent and your child is damaged
for life, you are part of a blame culture.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is the first of a few posts on the recent Commons
Committee report – The Safety of Maternity Services in England – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmhealth/19/1902.htm">https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmhealth/19/1902.htm</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The report includes a section headed – Rethinking the
current approach to clinical negligence.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have to confess to feeling an instinctive sense of unease when politicians talk about ‘rethinking’ or ‘reform’. It rarely ends well. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The report starts out by referring to cost – “<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Staggeringly,
the £1bn paid out in maternity compensation in 2018/19 was nearly twice the
wage bill for all of England’s obstetricians and gynaecologists combined”. This
is indeed an alarming figure. But we cannot lose sight of the incidents which are
leading to these payments. They will not go away just because the system is
changed. The report subtly shifts responsibility to claimant lawyers and to
victims themselves – </span><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">“Even more concerning is how much of this rising bill goes on
lawyers’ fees</span>” In fairness the report acknowledges the need to learn
from mistakes, but the body of the report is not encouraging. In particular we
meet a familiar villain – ‘blame culture’.<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The report
talks of ending this culture. It discusses the problems of ‘compensation based
on finding fault.’ This is based on the false assumption that damages claims
that arise from negligence in a clinical setting are somehow different <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from those arising in other contexts. The law
of Tort in this country has developed over many years. The law of Negligence
has developed within this. As long ago as the 1930s there was a classic legal
case, familiar to all first year law students involving a snail </span><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">in a bottle of
ginger beer. Lord Atkin gave us a quote that has underpinned negligence claims –</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">‘The rule that you are to love your neighbour becomes in law
you must not injure your neighbour; and the lawyer's question " Who is my
neighbour ?" receives a restricted reply. You must take reasonable care to
avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to
injure your neighbour’*</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In other words, if you owe me a duty to take care, if you
fail in that duty and I am injured as a result, you (or your insurer) must pay
me compensation. This has become such an accepted part of our world that we
rarely think about it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your
accountant is negligent and you lose money you expect to be compensated. If your
lawyer is negligent and you lose money you expect to be compensated. If your taxi
driver is negligent and you are injured, you expect to be compensated. If a
surgeon is negligent and your child is damaged for life, you are part of a blame
culture. This is the danger of focussing on one are of life and treating it differently
from others, for political reasons.</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The report mentions a ‘new’ approach based on what is avoidable
and refers to the experience in Sweden. </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This risks setting aside decades of jurisprudence for the sake
of political acceptability. The current system of clinical negligence,
developed by judges over many decades has given us a strong foundation that has
been capable of adapting to change. Two examples come to mind – </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">1. Informed consent. A medical practitioner
can only interfere with my body if I consent. In order to give that consent, I must
be properly informed. I must know the risks and benefits. For many years, the medical
profession decided what information I should be given. In a case called Siddaway
v Board of Governors of Bethlem Hospital **, Lord Diplock said – “</span><span style="background: white; color: #202122; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To decide what risks the existence of which a patient should
be voluntarily warned and the terms in which such warning, if any, should be
given, having regard to the effect that the warning may have, is as much an
exercise of professional skill and judgment as any other part of the doctor’s
comprehensive duty of care to the individual patient, and expert medical
evidence on this matter should be treated in just the same way.” By 2015
society had changed. In Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board*** the Supreme
Court confirmed this in a strongly worded judgment. This was a case about risks
and benefits of caesarean section delivery in the case of a mum with diabetes
who had a large baby. There was a risk of shoulder dystocia which can be
catastrophic. The treating doctor explained why she had not discussed the
matter - </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“since I felt the
risk of her baby having a significant enough shoulder dystocia to cause even a
nerve palsy or severe hypoxic damage to the baby was low I didn’t raise it with
her, and had I raised it with her then yes, she would have no doubt requested a
caesarean section, as would any diabetic today.” The lower courts were bound to
follow the Siddaway principle. The Supreme Court took the opportunity to bring
the law into the 21<sup>st</sup> Century – “</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A patient is entitled to take into account
her own values, her own assessment of the comparative merits of giving birth in
the “natural” and traditional way and of giving birth by caesarean section,
whatever medical opinion may say, alongside the medical evaluation of the risks
to herself and her baby. Gone are the days when it was thought that, on
becoming pregnant, a woman lost, not only her capacity, but also her right to
act as a genuinely autonomous human being” – Lady Hale. This is an example of
how our common law has been able to adapt in order to reflect modern thinking.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">2. Damages. In 2002 Patricia Briody brought
an action against St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority**** having lost her
fertility due to their negligence. She wanted to recover the cost of a commercial
surrogacy arrangement in the USA and to use donor eggs. That part of her claim
failed. A commercial surrogacy arrangement was illegal in this country. In 2021
the Supreme Court allowed similar arrangements. Society had moved on. The
arrangement was perfectly legal in California. Lady Hale observed that the
persuasiveness of Briody had been mitigated by - </span><span style="color: black;">‘<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">subsequent developments in the law and social attitudes
relating to surrogacy’</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 110%;">*****</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;">These are examples of the way in which
our law of negligence has grown and developed in a way that properly compensates
victims and has reflected changes in and value of society. It is a backwards step, to take
clinical negligence away from that whole body of law and introduce a entirely
new concept of avoidability. That would also leave us in the strange situation where
some jurisprudence applicable to clinical cases could apply if you were suing your
financial adviser but not if you were suing your doctor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;">It is healthy to learn from the
experience of other countries. But they have their own history from which their
approach has developed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is room
for improvement. But we have a long and detailed history that cannot be cast aside
just by calling it a blame culture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;">I will discuss this in later posts.
The report also includes worrying comments on how damages for care and for loss
of earnings are calculated. Watch this space.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.2pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">*Donohue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.2pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">** <span style="background: white;">Siddaway v
Board of Governors of Bethlem Hospital </span><span style="background: white; color: #202122; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">[1985] AC 871</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.2pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #202122; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** Montgomery v Lanarkshire
Health Board </span><span style="background: white;">[</span>2015] UKSC 11<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="background: white;">**** Briody v St
Helens and Knowsley Health Authority </span>[2001]
EWCA Civ 1010<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">**** XX v Whittington [2020 UKSC
14<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></em><p></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-19400030541606667552021-06-01T08:45:00.010+01:002021-06-01T15:07:31.456+01:00Whiplash - Concerning Doris and a nasty motor accident - what a difference a week makes!<p><b>Sunday 30<sup>th</sup> May 2021</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bill and Doris are driving their Ford Fiesta along the
Formby By-Pass on their way to Lady Rose nursery. This is part of their Sunday,
after church, routine. They will potter around the gardens and then head to the
café for a slice of lemon cake and a free coffee using their loyalty points.
This is their regular treat, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a far
cry from the years that Doris worked as a midwife. They arrive at the Hightown
junction and stop at the lights waiting to turn into the car park. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Behind them is Eric in his new BMW. He is a bit worse for
wear after heavy Saturday night. He hears the familiar ping from his new phone and
has a quick look to see that it is a text from Sharon. He has a quick and discreet
read, and smiles. He slows down a bit so he can send a quick reply. But, in the words
of John Lennon – he didn’t notice that the lights had changed. He is suddenly aware
of the stationary Fiesta. He brakes quickly, but not quickly enough. No free
coffee for Bill and Doris today.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Doris is wearing a seat belt. She is thrown forwards and
then backwards by the impact. Just like a whiplash. She immediately feels dizzy
and is sick at the side of the car. Over the next few days, her neck and
shoulders become painful. She assumes it will go away in time. Weeks later she
is still in pain. It affects her every day. She loses sleep. She cannot get
comfortable. She talks to Molly at the Ladies’ Fellowship, whose son is a
lawyer. She calls Tom who advises her that she can claim compensation. He can
help her with the case. She is worried about the cost, but he tells her she won’t
have to pay if she gets nothing and if she wins will pay him, no more than 25%
of anything she gets, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is 8 months before she is fully recovered. In fact she still has the odd twinge but doesn't want to cause a fuss. Tom secures a
payment of £3250.00 which Bill and Doris use to buy that new shed they have
been saving for. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Sunday 6<sup>th</sup> June 2021<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now imagine the same scene a week later. Everything is identical.
Bill and Doris, Eric, BMW, text message, John Lennon, painful injury. But
everything else is quite different. Tom tells her that she will get just £840.00
for her pain and suffering. He won’t be able to help her because this is now a ‘small
claim’. She cannot recover legal fees. She can do it herself using a new-fangled
portal and refers her to a 64 page guide. She discusses it with Bill and they quickly
decide…’Let’s not bother.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What a difference a week makes. This is where thousands of
genuine victims find themselves. Damages for whiplash injuries have been
reduced to derisory levels for any accident after 31st May 2021. To add insult to
injury, so to speak, a claim worth less than £5000 is a ‘small claim’ and there
is no right to recover legal costs. The Ministry of Justice say that victims
can access a portal. One which many lawyers have struggled to get their heads
around. Most will not bother.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The excuse for all of this is that it is needed to combat
fraud. This is a myth. I have written in the past about the tiny levels of dishonest
claims - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2021/02/whiplash-reforms-who-benefits-answers.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2021/02/whiplash-reforms-who-benefits-answers.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So Doris and the remaining 90% + genuine victims are punished
as part of a so called war on the small number of fraudsters. Doris is a retired
midwife who was out minding her own business, when the next months of her life are blighted by the carelessness
of a young driver. She is compensated if she is injured on one day, she gets nothing
if it happens a week later. And it is something to do with fraud. In what parallel
universe do the words Doris and fraud appear in the same sentence? This is nothing to do with batting anything, apart
from the rights of genuine road users. 100% of genuinely injured road users have seen their rights taken away.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Who benefits? Insurers of course! They
are already benefitting from record low claim numbers following lockdown when
nobody was driving.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Victims cannot expect much support from the media who have
been cheering from the side-lines. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">BBC news on Monday 31<sup>st</sup> May announced that the ‘reforms’
will mean a £35 drop in motor insurance premiums, boldly proclaiming – “<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The new rules will enable insurers
to cut premiums for millions of drivers by about £35 a year, say ministers”. I don't know a single driver who really expects this to happen. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Again we see the word ‘fraud’ just in case anyone is tempted to feel sympathy
for Doris – </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57302790">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57302790</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sky News went further with this headline – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Changes to Whiplash process will “put an end to greedy opportunism”.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So Doris is now a greedy opportunist. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is nothing to do with ‘process’. It is the wholesale wiping
out of peoples’ rights. It is the first time that we have seen levels of damages
fixed, not by the courts, but by government edict. The new figures have no
scientific or judicial backing. They are randomly fixed to deter most claimants
from taking any action. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A different kind of levelling up?<o:p></o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-88526740809628724622021-04-15T09:26:00.002+01:002021-04-15T09:26:33.750+01:00Reflecting on a year of Zoom - back to life, back to reality...<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7fTcL6V-P-f9TizxmINmR8FLQh43QzBROtTI-dEEvfn65N3omTfxW5XVxTEjT2fVn-MNDTWhcWFfjOCzcCjzI3PkeJOJgtIL6njRl5yYREo514Tm1Mc4Lev7H56ZIPZlbZTdukgw2UU/s1058/Screenshot_20210415-090002_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7fTcL6V-P-f9TizxmINmR8FLQh43QzBROtTI-dEEvfn65N3omTfxW5XVxTEjT2fVn-MNDTWhcWFfjOCzcCjzI3PkeJOJgtIL6njRl5yYREo514Tm1Mc4Lev7H56ZIPZlbZTdukgw2UU/s320/Screenshot_20210415-090002_Instagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">Training has been an important of my business since I left
private legal practice in 2017. I have spent many a happy hour touring the
country talking about Clinical Negligence, Housing Conditions and the practice
of law! The arrival of lockdown in March 2020 was a worry. Where was nearly
half of my business going to come from? </span><o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: white;">It even crossed my mind that I might
need to go back on the tools!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Before the end of May 2020, I had never presented a remote
training event. I was unsure how this thing called Zoom that my techy son had
mentioned, would do the job. What about power point? What about questions? What
about eye contact? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am one of those
speakers who survives on those subtle smiles of approval and is always looking
out for the raised eyebrow that says a tough question is coming! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I really began using Zoom and other platforms because it was
only to stay in business during the lockdowns. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How quickly it caught on. In no time at all we were all in a
daily routine focused on that magic green ‘screen share’ button. Phrases like ‘you’re
on mute’ and ‘turn your video on’ have become part of daily language. Jackie
Weaver became an overnight star…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Getting out of bed half an hour before the starting time, having
a quick shower and putting on a clean shirt (forget the rest!) has been a surprising
bonus. Remember those days of an early drive to Bradford or the red eye express
to Euston. But it has been tiring in another way. I did a session last year
where I did a full day course on Housing Conditions. All the 12 or so attendees
were on where silent and had their cameras off. So, I spent the best part of 5
hours talking to my screen! You only realise how tiring that it when you do it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What happens now as we head back home from this surreal land
of Oz? On 25<sup>th</sup> March I did my first live presentation for over a
year. I was a bit nervous at first. Have we become a bit institutionalised? But
it soon settled down. That feeling of talking to human beings, being
interrupted, having a conversation was like a cold beer after a trek across the
desert. ‘There’s no place like home’. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1BgR0AWBSKHch3N9krI70rNl1_kM9yM1IB-2mOwIFPz-UuBG8xFZDNJGKpLfydPJORzYwIrXzD_jpAlGE3QAAvH6CerptZczaGgysWsK7nd8rmrkCwzBlvkThpupVxEJaSHX-GXB7WU/s916/cold+beer.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="916" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1BgR0AWBSKHch3N9krI70rNl1_kM9yM1IB-2mOwIFPz-UuBG8xFZDNJGKpLfydPJORzYwIrXzD_jpAlGE3QAAvH6CerptZczaGgysWsK7nd8rmrkCwzBlvkThpupVxEJaSHX-GXB7WU/s320/cold+beer.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the last week, I have done a hat trick of events. Three days back-to-back – Oldham, Manchester and Liverpool City Centre. You only realise what you have missed when you find it again.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I did say during lockdown that I doubted if I would ever do
a live course again. Now I am looking forward to the next. So, will the days of
talking to little squares come to an end? Absolutely not. A course that I did
for a firm in Brentford where staff were working at home could not have been
done in any other way. Lots of business are likely to work in this way in the
future. We are going to see the two-working side by side. A bit like home
working. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I will be doing real world courses where it is viable but me and Mr
Zoom are likely to be friends for a long time to come. <o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-52309100216055582932021-03-15T10:00:00.005+00:002021-03-15T14:43:28.032+00:00Excessive force by police - you ain't seen nothing yet...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCySBkq51W88EktA5sWXll4vz1cFu1qSUGDM-nrqpX1yOMf7TzLVxVzIe_ezvnZFgTAT530qEA5CQrNuwgEdGfnBa3uUqqvqHLxL4pOHzGxXXelvb7Q9ec7XSuGyRv_RTZdcVkNhSkiE/s640/police.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCySBkq51W88EktA5sWXll4vz1cFu1qSUGDM-nrqpX1yOMf7TzLVxVzIe_ezvnZFgTAT530qEA5CQrNuwgEdGfnBa3uUqqvqHLxL4pOHzGxXXelvb7Q9ec7XSuGyRv_RTZdcVkNhSkiE/s320/police.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The world is still reeling from Saturday’s shocking images
of women being held down by Metropolitan police officers as they attended a
peaceful vigil in memory of Sarah Everard. There have been many calls for the
resignation of the Chief Commissioner, Cressida Dick which misses a more
significant and pressing issue. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These events provide a very disturbing backcloth to today’s
debate in Parliament concerning the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
2021. This is a bill that threatens to massively restrict the right to lawful
protest. It is one that has sneaked under the radar while we have been looking in
other directions! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Government’s own fact sheet make its intentions clear, they are to – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">“</span><span style="color: #0b0c0c; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Widen the range of conditions that the police can
impose on static protests, to match existing police powers to impose conditions
on marches”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This can include powers to impose start and end
times. So, if a march or event goes over its allotted time, will police be able
to repeat the scenes we saw on Saturday?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The new law with give the Home Secretary wider
powers to control protest. Factors that might be taken into account include
noise! Who will decide what level of noise is acceptable? At what point will
noise reach a level that officers can wade in as they did in Clapham? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-crime-sentencing-and-courts-bill-2021-factsheets/police-crime-sentencing-and-courts-bill-2021-protest-powers-factsheet"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-crime-sentencing-and-courts-bill-2021-factsheets/police-crime-sentencing-and-courts-bill-2021-protest-powers-factsheet</span></a></span><span style="color: #0b0c0c; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The definition of ‘serious harm that might be
caused by an event will be extended to include – ‘serious annoyance’. Annoyance
to whom? Most protests are directed towards the government of the day.
Presumably they will be ‘annoyed’ by some actions. In fact, the nature of
protest is that someone will disagree and therefore be unhappy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could cover almost all events. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There will also be stricter rules concerning
organisers’ knowledge of restrictions. The fact sheet says that organisers – “</span><span style="background: white; color: #0b0c0c; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">cover their ears” (presumably not because of the noise!). In
other words they claim to be unaware. The new rules will introduce a new
concept of constructive knowledge i.e. that they should know. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0c0c; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a very disturbing interference with our
right to free speech and to assembly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #050505; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We all have a rights under the European Convention
on Human Rights including - <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #050505; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #050505;">Article 10 freedom of expression.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #050505; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #050505;">Article 11 freedom of assembly and association.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #050505;">These are not absolute rights. The gov't can limit
those rights if it is in the public interest and proportionate. Whether these
limits on our rights are in the public interest or proportionate is highly
debatable and could lead to many more disturbing scenes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #050505;">We know already that the Home Secretary described
the Black Lives Matters protests as dreadful –</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/feb/12/priti-patel-hits-out-at-dreadful-black-lives-matters-protests">https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/feb/12/priti-patel-hits-out-at-dreadful-black-lives-matters-protests</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">There now appears to be a backlash
to prevent protest and to put wider powers in the hands of the Police. In the
light of Saturday’s events is this the sort of society we want to be part of?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #050505; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We all need to speak out about this. One thing we
can all do is contact our MP and encourage them to vote against the bill at all
stages. You can find your MP here – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.theyworkforyou.com/">https://www.theyworkforyou.com/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Thanks to Chris Topping at <a href="https://www.jacksonlees.co.uk/broudiejacksoncanter" style="background-color: transparent;">https://www.jacksonlees.co.uk/broudiejacksoncanter</a> who has contributed to this post.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #050505; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-8104077754400998352021-03-08T09:25:00.006+00:002021-03-08T09:26:39.413+00:00Rutnam rakes in bumper pay day from Priti Patel<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My first guest blog post! Thoughts on the Philip Rutnam settlement from my friend and Employment Law Expert, Steve Pinder of </span><a href="http://stephenpinder.co.uk/">Stephen
Pinder - Employment Law Matters</a> </b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Philip
Rutnam resigned from his role as the senior civil servant in the Home Office
raising allegations of bullying against his boss, Secretary of State Priti
Patel. He alleged that there had been a vicious and orchestrated briefing
campaign against him after trying to get Ms Patel to change her behaviour.
There have been wider allegations raised against Ms Patel in relation to how
other staff were treated, denied by her, and a report was published some weeks
ago.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">My interest has involved the specific circumstances
involving Mr Rutnam and what happened after he resigned. It has been reported
that he pursued an unfair dismissal claim against the Government, and this must
have been a constructive dismissal case. The press reports this week referred
to the case being settled for £340k and payment of costs. On both sides I
expect that the costs are likely to be at least equivalent to the damages paid,
meaning an outlay to the public purse of nearly £700k.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">An unfair dismissal case only will lead to
compensation of the lesser sum of a year of earnings or the statutory maximum,
currently £88519, in addition to the equivalent of a statutory redundancy
payment. How then might the award be £340k by agreement, with Mr Rutnam earning
around £150k each year, no doubt plus pension. Further, the Employment Tribunal
does not usually award costs, and my guess is that the deal reflects certain
additional factors. On costs, I expect that the Home Office agreed such
generous terms simply to kill the case and avoid a hearing in public which
would have likely required Ms Patel and officials to give evidence on oath.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">As regards the value of the case, again there may
be a premium to reflect the value of closing out a deal. I also expect that
this is not only an unfair dismissal case, despite the reports. In reporting
allegations against Ms Patel during employment I expect that the claim raised
allegations satisfying the requirements of a protected disclosure under the
Employment Rights Act, namely the whistle blowing provisions. This can involve
a claim pursued against an individual such as the Home Secretary and a claim
for damages for injury to feelings. Compensation is uncapped, explaining the
reference to £340k.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Whistle blowing is a useful addition to an unfair
dismissal claim in the right circumstances and can enhance remedy in
negotiations and at Tribunal. In this case the public have ended up paying a
substantial sum to cover the actions of a senior Minister, and probably double
with costs. It is fine denying allegations but it is easy to use someone else’s
money to back out of defending your actions in a public forum.</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Steve Pinder </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></p><p></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-70137439964408644082021-02-28T15:03:00.008+00:002021-03-01T16:39:56.813+00:00Whiplash reforms, who benefits? Answers on a postcard!!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Very few readers will need me to tell them that the so-called
reforms of whiplash claims will come into force from 31<sup>st</sup> May 2021
and that relevant rules were published on 25<sup>th</sup> February 2021. This
is the culmination of government plans to effectively wipe out such claims that
date back to 2015 when former Chancellor George Osborne announced a total abolition
of the right to claim damages for such injuries – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/osborne-small-claims-up-to-5k-and-no.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/osborne-small-claims-up-to-5k-and-no.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The tone eventually softened a bit although in many cases
the effect will be the same.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For those who don’t know, there will be a two-pronged attack
on the rights of victims – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Damages will be subject to a tariff that will
see the levels of compensation reduced dramatically. So, for an injury with
pain and suffering lasting about 6 months the award is reduced from about £3500
to £495 with a possible increase to £520 if there is a psychological injury. The
maximum award for an injury lasting up to 2 years will be £4345.*<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Small Claims limit for RTA cases rises to
£5k. This means in effect that no victim will recover legal fees for an injury
below that figure. So, you can see that the combined effect is that almost all
victims of whiplash injuries will be left on their own to pursue claims without
legal help. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are some limited exceptions and the new rules only
apply to accidents after 31<sup>st</sup> May 2021. Anyone who has suffered injury
after 31<sup>st</sup> May 2018 (earlier in the case of children and some people
under a disability) will be able to recover full damages. But subject to that
modest comfort the effect of this will be to reduce the number of claims that
are made. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2021/9780348220612?view=plain">https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2021/9780348220612?view=plain</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There has been much rhetoric from government and the insurance
industry about the reasons for the cuts. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The most common is that it is to reduce fraud. Anyone
involved in these cases agrees that fraud needs to be eliminated and does untold
damage. In fact, most observers agree that the percentage of claims that are fraudulent
is exceptionally low. A report by the Association of Personal injury Lawyers
(APIL) in 2013 noted that 93% of Road Traffic Cases were genuine. It is
generally agreed that the number of claims being brought has declined since
then – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.apil.org.uk/files/parliamentary-room/APILwrittenevidence-TransportCommitteewhiplashinquiry.pdf">https://www.apil.org.uk/files/parliamentary-room/APILwrittenevidence-TransportCommitteewhiplashinquiry.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In a 2020 report the Association of British Insurers talked
of a <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“<span style="background: white; color: #231f20;">relentless pursuit of insurance cheats
to protect honest customers</span>” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2020/09/detected-insurance-fraud/">https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2020/09/detected-insurance-fraud/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The problem with these reforms is that they have very little
impact on fraud. The reality is that an entirely honest victim i.e. one of the
93%+ is going to see their rights removed. These are the very ‘honest customers’
referred to by the ABI. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is not hard to see who will benefit most from all of
this.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Former Court of Appeal Judge, Stephen Sedley QC writing in the
London Review of Books this month says -<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Whiplash injuries, dependent largely on subjective accounts
of symptoms became a justified cause of concern. But the government’s
response has been to use the problem as an opportunity to raise the small
claims limit, pushing large numbers of people with genuine claims into a
situation where they would not be able to recover any legal costs if they won.
They either have to muddle through on their own and very possibly lose a sound
case or be prepared to give their lawyers first call on their damages. The principal
beneficiary, SB suggests, has been the insurance industry” **<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In my 2015 blog I called it – “<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">an all-out attack on victims for the benefit of the insurance
industry.</span>”<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The benefits
to insurers are obvious. They pay out less at a time when claims are reducing. How
often have we heard the promise that all of this will lead to a drop in motor insurance
premiums? Do any drivers seriously expect this to happen? </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">These
changes are going to happen. But the fight must go on. We are stuck with the
present Government for a few years yet but when they are eventually removed
this must be a reviewed by whoever replaces them. The problem is of course that
many consumers will continue to accept the rhetoric until it affects them.</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">*there can
be a modest increase of up to 20% where an injury is exceptionally severe. Why is
any exceptionally severe injury subject a tariff set by politicians?</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">*London Review
of Books Vol 43 No 5 4<sup>th</sup> March 2021 – “Mischief Wrought” a review of
Fake Law by the Secret Barrister</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-27569115990295338502021-02-02T10:25:00.003+00:002021-02-02T10:27:34.890+00:00Stansted 15 - A prosecution that should never have been brought<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWIqFCpIKcLMsOg8MyByhQvZGejlRNQQy2fBH4I4ICC8KlaANO4tExZ2ft5k3Uf1hltVsA5rj80lK9wDmdAxUsxlfuUjUz53fsyTd1ECIbh4nsdiTB32KaCna_jZ1BVznaDSAoIOw26Y/s866/Greenbelt.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWIqFCpIKcLMsOg8MyByhQvZGejlRNQQy2fBH4I4ICC8KlaANO4tExZ2ft5k3Uf1hltVsA5rj80lK9wDmdAxUsxlfuUjUz53fsyTd1ECIbh4nsdiTB32KaCna_jZ1BVznaDSAoIOw26Y/s320/Greenbelt.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In 2019 I was at the Greenbelt Festival near Kettering, a
small festival that focusses on faith, arts, music and activism. I was drawn to
a session featuring the case of the Stansted 15 at which the speaker was fellow
Solicitor, Melanie Strickland. I have to say that I became more and more angry
as she spoke.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The story began as a familiar account of peaceful action. In
March 2017 a controversial flight was due to leave Stansted to deport a group
of people to destinations in West Africa. The protestors broke into the
airport. They blocked the plane and effectively prevented its departure. They
locked themselves together using tripods and builders foam. They were
subsequently charged with aggravated trespass, a relatively minor offence often
used in similar cases. Things then became dramatically more serious a few months
later when the charges were changed to ‘endangering safety at an aerodrome’ under
the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990. This changed everything. That offence
carried a maximum sentence of life in prison. It is used in the fight against
terrorism. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This seemed a massively disproportionate charge. In 2018
they were convicted but avoided prison. But they still faced the stigma of a
serious conviction. They knew they were breaking the law. They expected some
consequence as the price to pay. But there was never a moment when any lives
were in danger. Melanie Strickland was at risk of losing her legal career – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/stansted-15-solicitor-avoids-jail-but-could-still-face-sra-probe/5069173.article">https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/stansted-15-solicitor-avoids-jail-but-could-still-face-sra-probe/5069173.article</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can see a video of her talk here (it is quite long but worth
the watch) – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DZDvcn3QKY&feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DZDvcn3QKY&feature=youtu.be</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The video cuts off before Q and A and so you don’t see me
standing and saying that as a lawyer of nearly 40 years, I was embarrassed that
our beleaguered criminal justice system had found the resources to waste on
such an extreme prosecution! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After nearly four years of having this hanging over them the
Stansted 15 had their convictions quashed by the Court of Appeal last week – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2021/01/29/no-case-to-answer-stansted-15-convictions-quashed-by-court-of-appeal/">https://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2021/01/29/no-case-to-answer-stansted-15-convictions-quashed-by-court-of-appeal/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett commented – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Taking the Crown’s case at its highest, and considering all
relevant potential consequences, it could not be established to the criminal
standard that the actions of the appellants created disruption to the services
of Stansted airport which was likely to endanger its safe operation or the
safety of persons there.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Court of Appeal found that they should not have been
prosecuted under these provisions and that there was no case to answer. The
appeal judges ruled that there was no justification for the use of an offence ‘which
aims at conduct of a different nature’. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is good news that the Stansted 15 have justice, although
this is a prosecution that should never have been brought in the first place.<o:p></o:p></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-54594055693633924702021-01-21T11:12:00.018+00:002021-01-21T11:37:52.514+00:00Reviewing without due care and attention<p>I used to be a fan of review sites. I would rarely book a holiday
without first checking what previous users had to say about it. I began to have
my doubts when we had a particularly unpleasant short stay at an apartment in Greece
a few years ago. Think cockroaches, damp, unpleasant staff etc. What was alarming
was that there were very contrasting reviews. Some had an experience as
unpleasant as ours. Others seemed to have gone in search of paradise and found
it! I did begin to wonder whether there was some other agenda sitting behind
the favourable reviews.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The well-known Trip Adviser site has had to address addressed
this issue although their problem is more about fake positive reviews – <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49605457">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49605457</a><o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">In an increasingly competitive legal market, it is no
surprise that law firms have seen the importance of online reviews. When I was
involved in the management of my former firm, I would regularly look at sites
like Trust Pilot and Social Media to see how we were perceived! Anything
negative was acted on immediately! This type of consumer research can be
useful. But it can also be dangerous…and expensive.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The recent case of Summerfield Brown Ltd v Weymouth <b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b>[2021] EWHC 85 (QB) (<a href="https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2021/85.html">https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2021/85.html</a>)
is an important example!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/disgruntled-client-ordered-to-pay-25000-damages-for-libellous-review/5107081.article">https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/disgruntled-client-ordered-to-pay-25000-damages-for-libellous-review/5107081.article</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">It started out harmlessly enough. The solicitors
gave the client some brief advice and charged a fixed fee of £200. We have all
done that. The client then went to Trust Pilot and said - </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">‘A total waste of money another scam solicitor’</span>.
He appears never to have complained about the service or provided any reason
for his criticism. This had a negative impact on the firm’s business. They sued
for libel.<div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">The client defended the claim on the basis that –</span></div><div>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="background: white;">It was ‘honest opinion’. Isn’t that the
whole point of a review? But Master Cook held that this defence is not
available where there is an allegation of fraud. The use of the words ‘scam
solicitor’ suggested that the solicitors were dishonest. </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white;">He argued that it was in the public
interest, but he had demanded the return of his £200 in return for removal of
the review. Master Cook found that - </span><a name="para18"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> “</span>that this
demand wholly undermines the defence of public interest</a>” <span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Finally he argued truth. The Master noted – <a name="para20">“there is evidence that it is a responsible firm of solicitors with
no published SRA decisions against it and thus it is inconceivable the Claimant
could be a scam firm or trading fraudulently and have such an unblemished
record.</a>”<span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">The honest opinion defence was struck out and summary judgment
was entered in relation to public interest and truth. The client was ordered to
pay damages of £25k. Trust Pilot, who were not a party, were ordered to remove
the defamatory post.</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">This decision is possibly of limited effect because of the use
of the word ‘scam’ and the attempt to get money for the post’s removal. </span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">Equally, it highlights the damage that can be done by a
negative review and that they can, in some cases, amount to libel.</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.stevecornforth.com" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">www.stevecornforth.com</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div><br /></div></div>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-85526409656384433392020-10-30T10:36:00.003+00:002020-10-30T10:37:25.372+00:00Are Tipp-Ex amendments worse than fraud?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9dkAAnVc44aURr6Kz445mAgEXlTBJwKRXd3cyvGAsMuBXJfIMDYmmw4YJLy64Vtan_Q2UD-lTk4sjm3PZrKn1PVdVsYvqOitcVOT3AOILgjsmeorfNe3HIHJW01rsn78IVsTAyZVWgs/s1024/tippex.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9dkAAnVc44aURr6Kz445mAgEXlTBJwKRXd3cyvGAsMuBXJfIMDYmmw4YJLy64Vtan_Q2UD-lTk4sjm3PZrKn1PVdVsYvqOitcVOT3AOILgjsmeorfNe3HIHJW01rsn78IVsTAyZVWgs/s320/tippex.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I was on holiday last week! I just wanted to get that
particular gloat out of the way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the few days that I have been back we have again seen two
very contrasting outcomes for lawyers who have got themselves into trouble. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first was the case of the Solicitor and Tipp-ex – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/solicitor-who-changed-dates-of-charges-with-tipp-ex-struck-off">https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/solicitor-who-changed-dates-of-charges-with-tipp-ex-struck-off</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have to confess that I was unaware that any firms still
used this 1980s style correction fluid. Nicholas St John Gething missed
deadlines for registering charges with the Registrar of Companies. He amended
the date on the charges using Tipp-Ex. The SDT noted that he did not seem to
appreciate the seriousness of his actions. The tribunal accepted that there was
little or no risk that the conduct would be repeated. He was struck off and
ordered to pay costs. One thing that I can claim to have some knowledge of is Tip-Ex. I am old enough to remember the days of typewriters and carbon paper. It
was a common sight to see letters containing several very distinctive Tipp-Ex
corrections. It is a less than sophisticated attempt at misleading. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A contrasting outcome awaited the barrister Michael Rowan,
who was convicted of fraud in 2019. He received a 6 months suspended prison
sentence and had to do a period of unpaid work. He found himself before the Bar
Disciplinary Tribunal and was not disbarred. He was given a suspension.
According to the report in <a href="http://www.legalfutures.co.uk/">Legal
Futures</a> HHJ Meston QC observed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that “<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">there were cases in which it has
“some residual discretion” not to disbar and here there were “a number of
cogent mitigating factors”</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/barrister-avoids-disbarment-despite-expenses-fraud-conviction">https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/barrister-avoids-disbarment-despite-expenses-fraud-conviction</a></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">It is
understandable that these differing outcomes cause confusion. A person’s career
is finished because of a fairly amateurish attempt to amend a date. But a fraud
conviction leads to a suspension. This brings to mind other cases such as the young
solicitor who was struck off after losing a bag, despite considerable ‘cogent
mitigating factors’, and a senior barrister was suspended after head butting a
female colleague – </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/in-which-losing-briefcase-turns-out-far.html">https://thestevecornforthblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/in-which-losing-briefcase-turns-out-far.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What is going on? Is there one rule for barristers and
another for solicitors?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I actually think HHJ Meston QC has got the balance exactly
right. Dishonesty is a serious matter for solicitors and barristers. Removal
from the profession is bound to be considered. But there should also be cases
where discretion can be exercised. We can be sure that the two young solicitors
who were struck would not be so stupid as to repeat their actions. Is there
any real danger to the public or the reputation of the profession? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let us hope that a similar discretion will be used in future
in all cases. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733181849935350778.post-294999978622612622020-10-08T16:48:00.006+01:002020-10-08T22:07:07.132+01:00Do these attacks suggest something sinister? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUk3PfGlTMPVlhs-qOuTG5m9WV9IUf49AE7Z6dX4KylGPZJYOR6ayNsUyUuXB3ILrymkP5ppl9n0O_bp_TQdL-3H_YUNVFfbDpxEGgubQw4134V-DhnmojggMYICcdikD3GnvQTEE_V4/s976/Screenshot+2020-10-08+22.03.54.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="976" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUk3PfGlTMPVlhs-qOuTG5m9WV9IUf49AE7Z6dX4KylGPZJYOR6ayNsUyUuXB3ILrymkP5ppl9n0O_bp_TQdL-3H_YUNVFfbDpxEGgubQw4134V-DhnmojggMYICcdikD3GnvQTEE_V4/s320/Screenshot+2020-10-08+22.03.54.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">I have to confess that I have been ranting past myself this week. But not
without cause. The ill-informed attacks on the legal profession are hardly
likely to reduce the strain on my laptop keyboard, to say nothing of my blood pressure.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But after some reflection, there do seem to be early signs
of something sinister afoot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
space of a few days, we have had the Home Secretary attacking immigration lawyers.
I don’t doubt for one minute that the talk of lawyers and traffickers in the
same sentence was designed to generate hostility towards those lawyers and
affirm her disdain for the law generally. Then we had yesterday’s bizarre
speech from the Prime Minister where he blamed ‘lefty lawyers’ for the years of
court closures driven by his party in power. On top of these there was the Mail’s disgraceful and misguided attack on Duncan Lewis Solicitors whose only crime
is to represent those who are weak – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.duncanlewis.co.uk/news/_Attacks_on_Duncan_Lewis_Solicitors_and_legal_aid_undermine_the_rule_of_law_and_an_individual%E2%80%99s_constitutional_right_to_access_to_justice_(7_October_2020).html">https://www.duncanlewis.co.uk/news/_Attacks_on_Duncan_Lewis_Solicitors_and_legal_aid_undermine_the_rule_of_law_and_an_individual%E2%80%99s_constitutional_right_to_access_to_justice_(7_October_2020).html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All of this follows on from last year’s unlawful prorogation
of parliament and the current plans to breach International Law with the
Internal Markets Bill. We are seeing a growing disregard for the law alongside
full on, coordinated attacks on the lawyers who are simply acting in their clients’ best interests.
I am not alone in fearing that all of this is driving us towards unchallenged totalitarianism.
The former President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger spoke yesterday at
the International Bar Association Webinar on the Internal Markets Bill – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #121212; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Once you deprive people of the
right to go to court to challenge the government, you are in a dictatorship,
you are in a tyranny … The right of litigants to go to court to protect their
rights and ensure that the government complies with its legal obligation is
fundamental to any system … You could be going down a very slippery slope.”</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/oct/07/brexit-strategy-puts-uk-on-slippery-slope-to-tyranny-lawyers-told">https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/oct/07/brexit-strategy-puts-uk-on-slippery-slope-to-tyranny-lawyers-told</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Putting things into perspective we are a long way away from those countries
where lawyers put their very lives at risk by simply doing their jobs – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/iranian-human-rights-lawyer-wins-alternative-nobel-prize-from-cell-/5105837.article?adredir=1#.X3cshSOLCbM.twitter">https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/iranian-human-rights-lawyer-wins-alternative-nobel-prize-from-cell-/5105837.article?adredir=1#.X3cshSOLCbM.twitter</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But it is chilling even to think that we might be heading in that
general direction. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Law Society’s President Simon Davis has rightly warned that
this dangerous rhetoric could actually put the physical safety of lawyers at
risk – in the UK, in 2020 – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Slinging insults at lawyers risks leading not just to verbal
abuse but to lawyers being physically attacked for doing their job”</span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/06/home-secretarys-dangerous-rhetoric-putting-lawyers-at-risk">https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/06/home-secretarys-dangerous-rhetoric-putting-lawyers-at-risk</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This is not just a worry for lawyers. It
threatens to undermine the very fabric of our society. We should all be concerned about what is happening while we have our eyes elsewhere...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>steve cornforth bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502385802352433188noreply@blogger.com3